In our society, we are often taught and encouraged to see the mind and body as two different entities, separate from each other. In this mind and body split, the mind is usually the part of us that is more important. We are conditioned to choose things that relate to the mind over things that relate to the body. For example, we are supposed to come to school/work when we are not feeling well, because our minds are prioritized in those settings. With schoolwork, we are supposed to “grind,” and may ultimately be forced to pull all-nighters to complete an assignment, or study for a test. For our bodies, when it comes to “body projects,” we only involve and focus the body (and when the journey of these body projects gets rough or hard, we are supposed to put aside our complaints). Overall, it’s very apparent that in society we are taught that the mind and body are separate things, even though both are simultaneously a part of us, and supposed to work together.
But how far can the idea of this mind and body split be pushed onto us?
As someone who struggles with depersonalization disorder, this idea that the mind and body are split from each other can be honestly harmful. It has greatly impacted my life (and not in a good way). Depersonalization disorder is defined as when an individual feels as if they are observing themself from outside their body. Despite the simple explanation, the feeling and experience of this disorder is a lot more complicated, speaking as someone who has it. Whether it be in class, at home, or lying in bed, I feel as if I am floating outside of my body, yet able to observe everything it does in detail. I feel as if I can watch myself breathe, watching my torso move up and down with each inhale and exhale. I watch myself as I type this post, my fingers moving and deciding what to say. But I also feel as if my body is not mine. I feel that this mind and body split, one that is so encouraged in our society, has intensified my depersonalization. My mind and body feel like they are two different people, both arguing over who can do this or that. I feel as if my body moves on my own without my brain telling it to. Although I can “watch” my body from outside of it, I constantly forget to feed it, hydrate it, and take care of it (which, as a Tamagotchi enjoyer, is quite ironic). Having this disorder makes it extremely hard to explain when things are wrong with my body, or even notice or take action when things are wrong.
The fact that our minds are usually only what educational settings prioritize has separated my mind from my body. The fact that our bodies are the only thing we are supposed to worry about while doing body projects has separated my body from my mind. This makes my mind and body feel like they aren’t in the right place, and that they are not supposed to work together. With a lot of hard work, I definitely feel like I have pieced the puzzle, of my mind and body, together, but the pieces don’t fit perfectly. Hopefully, in time, and by overcoming this “split,” I won’t feel so much like someone who keeps forgetting to feed their Tamagotchi.
Unruly Bodies 
Thank you for this opportunity to learn about depersonalization disorder. You are right. Now that Ive given your statements about the mind body split in society and how toxic the concept and practice is for everyone who is being encouraged to run their bodies like mindless drones Im inclined to agree with you. The only resolve that I can see as a possibiltiy is the messaging and teaching of holistic lifestyles and treatments. When doctors start treating the the whole-self of their clients or patients. This new messaging about the healthier and holistic perception of oneness must be spread and promoted the same way the toxc mind body split messaging was spread and promoted over time and vast spaces.
While I haven’t been diagnosed with depersonalization disorder (nor have i done enough research to self diagnose), your post really resonated with me. I’ve definitely had moments where I felt like my mind was “outside” of my body, and that I was an observing what my body was doing rather than participating. I also 100% agree with your point about society’s romanticization of the mind-body split with complete disregard of its potential adverse effects. (ALSO I very much enjoy the comparison of the body to a tamagotchi lol <3)
Thank you for sharing this experience, I found it surprising and enlightening because I have the exact opposite issue.
Often I feel too entrenched in my own pain, fear, compulsions, and desires to make any conscious and considered decisions for myself. I’ve always looked at this as my single greatest fault, but reading your post makes me stop and think. I’ve never fully considered the ways this sensitivity to my own body has actually helped me, when I’m tired I *have* to sleep, when I’m hungry I *have* to eat, when I’m hurt I *have* to treat myself. I often feel as though my brain is dragged on a leash by my body, but I cannot deny that this has kept me safe and (mostly) healthy.
I struggle everyday to reach a state of detachment where I can do what I know is necessary; but hopefully, when I will inevitably fail to detach and I berate myself for being the way I am again and again, I can recall this post, and let myself have some gratitude for everything that is “wrong” with me. Best of luck on bridging your split, and again, thank you so much for posting.
From the perspective of doctors and, or mental health practitioners (I have no experience in either, its just imo) but I feel that these type of career roles tend to focus on the inhumane and non-emotional avenue of patients. I have no way to justify this view, but as someone that worked in hospitality, and met hundreds of people within days, very few of those people, do I remember. Not only that, but very few changed me emotionally – all that to say that, if we have some type of mind – body split, there has to be a way to rekindle that connection. I would like to believe that, that is the point of spirituality. If the mind and body are split, what happens to the “soul?”