The Divided Self

"The Divided Self" is a concept from psychiatrist R.D. Laing that describes how some people experience a split between their inner feelings and outward behavior. It’s like feeling disconnected from who you are or acting in ways that don’t match your true self. This mental division can happen during struggles with mental health issues, leading to feelings of alienation or confusion. Laing believed understanding this internal split helps us see how individuals perceive themselves and their world, emphasizing that mental distress is often related to this inner division rather than moral failing or weakness.