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GUEST SERIES | Dr. Paul Conti: How to Understand & Assess Your Mental Health

Huberman Lab

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Understanding the Structure of the Unconscious Mind with the Iceberg Model

The unconscious mind serves as a complex biological supercomputer, processing millions of stimuli and information simultaneously. This vast, unseen portion of the mind influences our conscious thoughts and behaviors, much like the majority of an iceberg remains underwater. While the conscious mind represents the small, visible part of our awareness, the unconscious is responsible for deeply ingrained biological predispositions, habits, and thought patterns that operate without our direct awareness. The interaction between these two aspects of the mind is crucial for functioning in the real world. The conscious self, although aware and active, is supported by unconscious mechanisms that serve as defenses against external anxieties and pressures. These defenses allow for rationalizations, avoidance behaviors, and automatic responses that protect the conscious mind from vulnerability, illustrating the intricate dynamics of human psychology and behavior.

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