2 Psychological Precursors To A 'Mind–Body Disconnection'

Do you ever feel removed from your own body? If so, research reveals why you might be feeling this way.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | May 13, 2024

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life and lose touch with ourselves along the way. We often find ourselves going through the motions, going about our day on autopilot, without really tuning in to what our bodies are trying to tell us. It's like driving a car without paying attention to the road—disconnected from our physical selves that carry us through each moment.

This sense of disconnection from our bodies can take many forms, each one leaving us feeling distinctly lost and adrift. Sometimes, it's as subtle as feeling out of touch with our bodily sensations—not quite sure what we're feeling or why. Other times, it's more profound, leaving us with a sense of estrangement from ourselves, as if we are strangers in our own skin.

But what causes this disconnect in the first place? What lies at the root of this feeling of being out of sync with our bodies? Here are two factors that may help us understand what shapes our embodied experience.

1. Psychological Trauma And Dissociation

Psychological trauma, whether stemming from abuse, neglect or sudden life-altering events, deeply impacts our connection with our bodies. Traumatic experiences can rupture our sense of safety and coherence, leading to a disengagement from our physical selves. This detachment acts as a protective shield, separating the mind from the body to mitigate the full impact of the trauma.

In dissociative states, individuals may perceive their lives from a distant vantage point, feeling estranged from their own bodies. This detachment can manifest as emotional numbing, a loss of bodily sensations or even a sensation of being disconnected from one's own physical form, as if it belongs to someone else entirely.

Within dissociative states, bodily signals may become obscured or distorted, hindering individuals' ability to engage fully with their environment or experiences. Sensory perceptions may become dulled or intensified, while movements might feel robotic or disjointed. This disconnection not only impairs daily functioning but also reinforces a cycle of dissociation, as the mind retreats deeper into its protective shell in response to perceived threats.

Furthermore, these dissociative symptoms can disrupt individuals' capacity to connect with themselves and others. Without adequate support and intervention, this disconnection can exacerbate feelings of emptiness, isolation and hopelessness.

Recognizing and addressing dissociation is crucial for healing from trauma and re-establishing a connection with the body. Therapeutic approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can aid individuals in processing traumatic memories and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

Additionally, mindfulness and body-centered therapies can assist individuals in reclaiming a sense of presence and embodiment, facilitating a reconnection with the wisdom and resilience inherent in their physical selves.

2. Existential Disconnect And Alienation

At a deeper level, our sense of disconnect from our bodies may stem from existential angst and alienation. With rapid change and uncertainty around us, we grapple with fundamental questions of identity, meaning and mortality—triggering a deep-seated sense of confusion about our place in the universe. These existential quandaries often leave us feeling disconnected from both our core sense of identity and our physical forms, as we seek meaning and belonging in a seemingly indifferent universe.

This existential turmoil can be overwhelming, and may even prompt us to seek refuge in technology or virtual realms to momentarily escape reality. Recent research conducted in 2024 corroborates this notion, revealing that individuals facing real-life challenges often turn to social media and the metaverse as a means of escapism. The pervasive influence of technology and virtual spaces can deepen this sense of disconnect, pulling us further away from the physical world that anchors us in the present.

Despite this confusion, moments of quiet introspection can help in unraveling our feelings and rediscover the significance of our physical existence. Additionally, several studies have shown that practices like tai chi, qigong or even yoga which focus on breath, movement and body awareness can help manage trauma responses. Alternatively, you may explore expressive arts therapies such as dance, theater or somatic experiencing, which provide opportunities to explore and express emotions through the body.

Remember, even amidst life's chaos, our bodies provide us the safe haven we seek. Engage in activities that encourage you to inhabit your body fully. Embrace your bodies and honor your unique identities to find a deeper sense of connection and inner peace.

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A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.