The unconscious is the vast sum of operations of the mind that take place below the level of conscious awareness. The conscious mind contains all the thoughts, feelings, cognitions, and memories we acknowledge, while the unconscious consists of deeper mental processes not readily available to the conscious mind.
What Is Unconscious? (Plain Language Explanation)
Unconscious refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Unconscious
- Symptoms: The specific ways unconscious shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen unconscious
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When unconscious occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Unconscious
- Unconscious is far more common than most people realize
- Unconscious is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with unconscious see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about unconscious is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing unconscious, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.