Psychoanalysis studies various aspects of the human mind and behavior and we have two well-known terms that have a lot of influence on everything, the conscious mind, subconscious vs unconscious. However, today we are going to focus on the difference between these last two.
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Many confuse these two terms, but in fact they differ and even in a complex way. Therefore, to understand their difference, we must first consider that we are consciously aware of one part of our mind and unaware of the other.
With that, the conscious part contains all the thoughts and experiences that we are capable of perceiving and remembering. Already in the unconscious part are other mental experiences that we still don't remember.
Difference in concepts: subconscious vs. unconscious
The conscious part is just a small part of the vast amount of mental content found in our minds. However, we can say that within the non-conscious mind there are different levels of depth.
- Subconscious
The subconscious mind is the opposite of the conscious mind, it stores more recent memories but is still in touch with the unconscious mind. That is, it is more common when referring to the most “superficial” or “shallow” part of the mind.
- Unconscious
However, the unconscious is already a little more complex, as it deals with aspects with greater depth in memories. This concept concerns past experiences – those that were intentionally forgotten and those repressed by trauma.
Our unconscious is in contact with our conscious always through the subconscious. Therefore, she communicates through emotions, thoughts and dreams.
Furthermore, Freud explains that the unconscious has the power to cause illnesses, neuroses, disorders and other mental problems.
Underlying concepts: repression vs. suppression
Through these two other terms, it will be possible to explain a little how the distinction between “subconscious” and “unconscious” is installed.
First, it is important to stress that repression is found in the unconscious and suppression in the subconscious. As seen in the previous concept, the unconscious will repress memories, that is, pushing them to places below the standard level of consciousness, because, to some extent, it feels danger.
In this way, we are talking about actions without much control, instinctively, as a way of psychologically defending oneself. These actions of repression are very common in the period when you are a child, as you still do not have the capacity to deal with trauma situations.
However, suppression can exist for several reasons. Most of the time we try this option because it is about experiences that were not good and for survival, but it can also be an option to save something.
