It’s not an inherited trait but a learned skill. Anyone can possess high self-esteem if they really want to, but for some, building positive thoughts about oneself is often difficult. Most people feel bad about themselves from time to time. Feelings of low self-esteem may be triggered by being treated poorly by someone else recently or in the past, or by a person’s own judgments of him or herself. This is normal. However, low self-esteem is a constant companion for too many people, especially those who experience depression, anxiety, phobias, psychosis, delusional thinking, or people who suffer from a lingering illness or disability. If you are one of these people, you may go through life feeling bad about yourself needlessly. Low self-esteem keeps you from enjoying life. It hinders you from doing the things you want to do. It blocks your path towards achieving personal goals.

Everyone has the right to feel good about themselves. But sometimes, it can be very difficult to feel good about oneself when one is under stress. It can be especially challenging when one faces situations that are hard to manage. One can hardly muster a smile or find anything positive in life when a person is deeply burdened by a physical disability, financial woes, a troubled relationship, or any other emotional upheaval. When a person faces a grave situation, it is easy to be drawn into a downward spiral of lower self-esteem.

Feeling good about oneself is important not only for one’s psychological or emotional health. It is also a necessary factor in improving physical health. Self-esteem is based on how you see your abilities and your worth as a person. People with low self-esteem are often shy, full of anxiety, and often battle depression. They are negative about themselves and their abilities. Because they don’t feel worthwhile, they are more likely to do things that are not good for their health, such as going on starvation diets and smoking.

People with high self-esteem tend to be secure and confident. They see themselves and their abilities positively. Because they know it is important to take care of themselves, they are more likely to eat well and to have a healthy lifestyle.

Contrary to common opinion, gaining self-esteem is not that hard or complicated. All steps, big and small, towards gaining self-esteem fall into two main categories: Avoid the negative and accentuate the positive. Here are some steps to improve self-esteem:

Be positive about yourself and accept compliments that point out your strengths and abilities.

Be realistic about what you can do. Trying to be perfect and comparing yourself with other people can damage your self-esteem.

Recognize that everyone makes mistakes. When you make a mistake, do not put yourself down. Learn from your mistakes.

Listen carefully to others, without judging.

Respect people’s differences. Recognize their strengths and accomplishments. Acknowledge the things others do that help your family, your workplace and your community.

Support and encourage other people’s efforts to learn new things.

Give people in your family unconditional love.

Spend time with people who make you feel good. Do things that make you feel worthwhile.

But, most of all, exercise can be a practical choice to help one improve self-esteem. It’s hard to feel negative when all those endorphins are all pumped up. Plus, anytime you feel as though you are doing something positive for yourself; you strengthen your self-esteem.

In 2006, the organizers of the annual Madrid Fashion Show shocked the industry by issuing a ban on overly thin models. The organizers used the international standard for body mass index (BMI) to measure and determine if a model is within the accepted weight range based on height. The recent death of a South American fashion model due to starvation is seen as the reason for the ban. According to the organizers, they turned away 30 percent of models and other applicants who were clearly underweight. The main reason for the said ban was to highlight the growing epidemic of anorexia among models. Anorexia is defined as a psychosis disorder characterized by body image distortion , excessively low body weight, and irrational fear of gaining weight. One famous case of anorexia is that of Karen Carpenter, the famous singer who died in 1983 after a long battle with her disorder. Her death brought the problem of anorexia to the attention of the public.

The flip side of this disorder is also getting much attention not only in the fashion industry but also in medical circles. The number of cases of bulimia, an eating disorder and psychological condition, have increased steadily over the years. This disorder is characterized by recurrent binge eating that is followed by depression, vomiting, guilt, and self-condemnation. Binge eaters “punish” themselves by throwing up everything they ate; by starving themselves; or through excessive physical exercise. On famous case of bulimia involved the late Princess Diana. In a 1995 BBC interview, she admitted to having been diagnosed with bulimia. In that interview, Princess Diana said:

“I had bulimia for a number of years. And that’s like a secret disease. You inflict it upon yourself because your self-esteem is at a low ebb, and you don’t think you’re worthy or valuable. You fill your stomach up four or five times a day - some do it more - and it gives you a feeling of comfort. It’s like having a pair of arms around you, but it’s temporarily, temporary. Then you’re disgusted at the bloatedness of your stomach, and then you bring it all up again. And it’s a repetitive pattern which is very destructive to yourself.”

Like Princess Diana, most bulimics become compulsive eaters and later experience weight fluctuations. Binge eating is cause not by intense hunger but by the depression, stress and anxiety, and other distresses experienced by the bulimic. Some of the more common symptoms of bulimia include:

Secrecy and self-denial regarding the problem of eating disorder;

Odd eating behavior or excessive consumption of certain food;

Excessive, rigid exercise;

Stomach pain and other intestinal ailments; and

Frequent vomiting after meals.

The treatment of eating disorders is now one of the major concerns of the U.S. Department of Health, as well as other health agencies around the world. In the United Kingdom, bulimia-related mortality accounts for 10% of deaths among mentally ill individuals. The records show that at least 18% of deaths among the mentally ill is due to anorexia.

If diagnosed early, these eating disorders can be successfully treated. Aside from psychotherapy, other treatments for anorexia and bulimia include behavior modification, cognitive therapy, and the use of anti-psychotic drugs.

It takes professional care and personal determination to end the struggle with anorexia and bulimia. More than what is fed to the stomach, more attention should be given to what is fed to the minds of patients. Winning the battle against eating disorders is about reclaiming one’s self-esteem, and not just about managing one’s weight or eating habits.

Whoever said “war is hell” never really considered the ramifications of peacetime. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a known problem, one that has affected countless individuals coming back from the harrows and horrors of war. There is a certain sense of overwhelming joy and euphoria associated with the soldier finally coming home after any period of time spent in a combat zone. This is particularly true if they served on the front lines, in the theaters of war that saw the most action, during their active duty. However, even this happiness and joy can eventually crumble and give way to the stress and depression that can sometimes come with the prospect of having to readjust to civilian life.

This was observed after the Second World War and the Vietnam War, when veterans returned with more than just physical scars. The psychological trauma of having to survive while one’s fellows were shot down one by one over the course of a campaign can leave even the strongest personalities heavily scarred. The lessons learned from those wars have given way to psychological and psychiatric aid programs in the armed forces, specifically designed to help ease the transition for traumatized combat veterans. However, this system may not be effective or adequate, as recent discoveries among the Iraq war veterans are showing.

Several Iraq veterans are starting to become stressed out and depressed now, though they are not the ones that one would expect to have such problems. The first few months after being shipped back home, there is the aforementioned joy and euphoria. However, the adjustment back to civilian life &ndash even after being put through extensive therapy &ndash does not come easily. According to a recently conducted study, most of the people experiencing this are not enlisted men and women. Rather, it is the ones that are part of the Army Reserves or the National Guard that are having the problems.

The problems appear months after their return home, which often puts them out of the scope of the army’s mandatory counseling program to help relieve PTSD. Some experts believe that new studies will have to be conducted to fully understand why this is happening. While modern psychology understands the problems caused by PTSD after life in a battlefield, there has not yet been a study conducted into the possible delayed effects of it. It is possible that current programs used my the armed forces are not alleviating the problem and are merely delaying the onset.

Currently, the Pentagon is starting to take the problem seriously and has some ideas in place. The first is a program that is designed to help potential combatants prepare for what they might face prior to actually being sent there. This has been referred to as “basic training for the mind.” Another program being put into full implementation is one that helps families of returning soldiers cope with the changes to their loved one. The program also teaches both the veterans and their families to spot the signs that the soldier may need psychological help. However, no word was given on whether or not the medical arrangements that citizen-soldiers are given would be extended beyond the current tenures of six months of health insurance and two years of VA benefits.

When a person is convicted of a crime, it is understood that he will be getting some serious jail time. No matter what the offense is, they will still be definitely treated much less of a person when inside the big cage. Prisons are harsh and the guards tend to discipline the undisciplined by giving out strict orders regarding visits, meal times, and daily chores. The guards maintain discipline and control through constant inspection of the inmates’ cells, uniforms, and work outputs.

It is a known fact that almost all convicts eventually become so hard-hearted and rough. Many of them have developed attitude problems that usually come as a form of defense mechanism against the constant physical threat from other inmates. To contain these threats, prison guards are armed with batons, tazer guns, and even high-powered rifles.

A popular TV show “Prison Break” almost actually describes how it is to be inside the cage. This show gives everyone a glimpse of how prisoners are treated, how they live everyday, and how they do their daily routine. Being inside jail can really give the person a feeling of fear and anxiety especially when it is their first time being inside the dreadful prison. Everyone inside has their own groups, and these groups or “gangs” make up most of the prisons’ population. The TV show also illustrated the tension that exists between different races. These different races often form their own gangs presumably to protect themselves from other racial gangs. Every prisoner experiences fear and anxiety as they try to stay alive and become a member of the prison “community.”

Of course, in real life, living in prison entails deeper, personal issues beyond being part of a gang or surviving the daily onslaught of rules and orders from the guards. The inmates also have to contend with their past and future, making the hours spent inside their cells their daily meditation on life and their fate.

At this point, inmates are forced to reckon with what they had done to deserve the sentence and what future they have after they are released back to society. Many fall into depression as they miss the freedom they used to enjoy. The sadness of their fate is made more unbearable by the seeming lack or partiality of justice. Away from the presence of their loved ones, they fall deeper into depression as they think on the many special events they miss at home and how far removed they are from the lives of the people they love.

Having hard rules and rough penalties can give the person inside jail some serious mental health issues. Aside from depression, inmates have to cope with the daily fear and anxiety of walking in the yard where rival gangs hang out.

Of course, some prisoners do have the opportunity to regain their lives and have some normalcy after they compete their sentence. Finishing time inside jail is like jackpot for the former prisoner. Still, those who have been given the opportunity to go back to society must undergo post-jail social therapy. The therapy is needed to re-orient them on how to blend in again the outside world. Depression usually decreases after these former prisoners gain more chances for social interaction and acceptance. Life after prison can be fruitful and satisfying but it does take the commitment and effort of each and every former prisoner to remain “legit” and stay out of jail.

If you or a loved one has ever suffered from depression, you understand the debilitating effects it can have on the person who suffers from it, as well as on family members and friends. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), over 20 million Americans are depressed, and most of those who suffer from depression are not treated for it. This is especially tragic because depression is easily treated with prescriptions and other therapies.

Symptoms of Depression

While most of us associate depression with sadness, the symptoms can take on a variety of characteristics. Chronic anxiety or periodic panic attacks can be symptoms of depression, as can overwhelming feelings of guilt or pessimism. According to the NIMH, people who are depressed can have a hard time making decisions or concentrating, and they can suffer from memory problems.

Although we may think of a depressed person as lethargic, he or she can actual experience restlessness that may be accompanied by insomnia or other sleep problems. Similarly, other physical symptoms can manifest, such as chronic pain, headaches, and stomach problems.

Causes of Depression

Perhaps because so many Americans suffer from depression, there is less stigma about the disease now than in previous decades. Unfortunately, misinformation still abounds. Although depression can be characterized as a mood disorder, it’s very often a genetic illness caused by brain chemicals gone awry. Other people, such as those who have a poor self-image or who are easily stressed out, seem to be more susceptible to depression. Sometimes, a physical illness can trigger depression, while other times tragic life circumstances can send someone into a downward spiral. It seems that, for women, hormones can play a significant role in depression. The bottom line is that people who experience depression can’t simply “snap out of it.”

Treatment of Depression

Depression can be treated with psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. For most people, however, the costs and time commitment associated with such therapies make them out of reach.

Thankfully, there are a number of legal prescriptions used to treat depression that are available from a licensed pharmacy. The two primary types of antidepressants used today are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (also known as SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Brand names of anti-depressants include Celexa, Effexor, Elavil, Fluoxetine, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Remeron, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft.

When an Online Pharmacy Can Help

The online pharmacy is a relatively new way to deliver health care and mental health care to Americans. Although an online pharmacy (sometimes known as a FedEx pharmacy because they use overnight delivery) isn’t a substitute for diagnoses or prescriptions from a mental health professional, it can be a way to have a prescription filled discretely. This can be especially helpful to men, who seek treatment for depression much more infrequently than women. An online pharmacy can also be helpful for those who have a difficult time getting out of the house, or for those who are running out of their current prescriptions and need a next day refill.

Depression is an illness that takes a toll on everyone the patient comes in contact with. Fortunately, it is highly treatable with prescriptions, and can help people get back on the path to leading fulfilling and happy lives.

Sleep is an essential requirement for sustaining human life. Nobody is entirely sure just how sleep works or what the body does while you’re out, but it is known that depriving yourself of a full night’s sleep can have unpleasant side effects. Sleep deprivation, sadly, is a growing problem in the modern world. Whether it is their schedule, the stress from work, or chronic pain, people are finding it more difficult to get a full night’s (or day’s) rest. The vast majority of people don’t consider this to be a major problem, but that is only because they don’t seem to fully grasp the potential dangers associated with a lack of sleep. Being deprived of sleep long enough can actually be fatal. But surely, even short-term deprivation can have consequences on the mind and body.

Decreased alertness and reflexes are the first signs that someone hasn’t been getting enough sleep. As side effects go, most people don’t really pay much attention to this. For the most part, people who experience this problem tend to think that a couple of cups of coffee throughout the day can compensate. However, sluggish and slow behavior can have consequences on one’s personal and professional performance, even if caffeine is taken to compensate. The impaired environmental awareness and the reduced ability to react to things quickly enough is just the first of many potential side effects.

Sleep deprivation can be very hazardous to a person’s mental health, particularly if the lack of sleep is chronic. Psychiatric conditions are among the potential consequences of not getting enough sleep, with conditions such as depression and anxiety often being used as examples. Cognitive abilities and perception are also impaired, such that some people who haven’t gotten enough sleep are reported to have experienced brief psychotic episodes. Emotional stability may also suffer if the lack of sleep is accompanied by other emotional factors, playing on the brain’s already impaired ability to properly process stimuli from the environment and from other people.

According to studies, mammals that are rendered unable to sleep for prolonged periods tend to die from the loss of the ability to regulate their body temperature. While this has not been tested on humans, it is reasonable to assume that the same would occur if a person were to be prevented from sleeping for three weeks. A lack of sleep in connection with fatal familial insomnia can cause rapid degeneration of brain cells, though it is uncertain if fatalities are directly caused by the sleep deprivation or if it was caused by a related problem.

The immune system can also be impaired by a lack of sleep, making a person more susceptible to infection and disease. The cardiovascular system, which is believed to go into a more relaxed state during sleep, can be taxed during prolonged period without sleep. In some cases, three days without sleep can lead to a heart attack or heart failure. Blood pressure has also been known to go up due to lack of sleep, with some cases being reported where the pressure actually doubled. This, combined with the effects on mood and temperament, can do serious damage to a person’s relationships.

Indeed, losing sleep is more than just being drowsy the morning after. If left unaddressed for such a long period of time, it could worsen and lead to the loss of not only sleep — but of one’s mind, as well.

It is often said that each person is unique and totally distinct from the eight billion other people on the planet. Different people have different interests, biases, wants, needs, and desires. Where these interests and desires take a person in life totally depends on each decision that is made every day.

For example, a typical teenager in college can choose between being a “do-gooder” whose life revolves around the home and the classroom; or going just a bit wild and experiment with all sorts of new things. Experiencing new things can be as simple as meeting girls, having intimate relationships, to drinking alcohol, or to something as risky as taking drugs.

Teens who experiment with drugs often do so because of peer pressure and the need to belong. Poor choice in friends can lead an otherwise normal teenager to go over board and become addicted to illegal drugs. Sometimes, the pressure and bad influence from peer groups can overcome a teenager’s sense of right and wrong, or the values and principles taught to them from the home and the church. Some who do not get hooked on drugs say that they tried doing drugs just to satisfy the curiosity about how it feels to “get high.”

The usual period for a person to experience and try new stuff would be during their teenage years, since their curiosity for the world is at its highest point around that age. Almost all of us have been exposed to drugs and alcohol at some point in our life. Alcohol is considered as a social drink for some, but this could lead to a more difficult alcohol addiction, or alcoholism. A more alarming fact would be to know that a certain number of teenage boys and girls get addicted to drugs, such as marijuana, “crystal meth”, or even LSD. This addiction could lead into a more dangerous position, causing them to go into drug rehabilitation.

Of course, a recovering addict would naturally be anxious or frightened by the prospect of being confined in a drug rehabilitation facility. Anxiety is present and felt at all times since they do not know what to see and think after they get out of rehab. Turning them into rehab may also cause depression, not just for the patient, but for the parents as well. Of course, the addict does not want to be into rehab because of the fact that they cannot use their drug inside the premises and that they will be separated from their drug- addicted friends. This isolation or separation would naturally cause depression. It would be a hard time for both the parents and the patient since this would be a time for detoxification, counseling, and basic addiction treatment.

Being inside a rehabilitation center would be like punishment for the addict. In this scenario, they are required to attend, listen, cooperate, and learn the benefits of having a healthy, drug-free life, instead of being addicted and enslaved by a chemical substance. In case they have to stay there for a set period of time, thoughts of depression and feelings of withdrawal from their drug may arise. These patients may be hard to talk to or communicate with due to their withdrawal symptoms. By having a relaxed and calm environment, this could help in releasing stress and anxiety from the patients, as well as giving them a fresh perspective on life.

Whether the addict is registered in the rehabilitation center as an out-patient, short term in-patient, or long term in-patient programs, they would have to deal with drug counseling activities, open forums, and educational facilities that might help in decreasing their need for drugs. Depression should decrease as time flies because through the rehabilitation sessions, the patient would learn how to be set free from the addiction and get back on the road to recovery.

People need to prioritize emotional and mental well-being as a means to have a happy, healthy life. However, most people must learn to understand that having a happy and healthy life does not only rely on experiencing “happy” events. Food, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise are also needed to gain fulfillment and enjoyment each day.

Here are some helpful tips to make your life more zestful:

1. Eat a Full Breakfast Every Morning

Research shows that people who take regular breakfast are happier and perform better at work than those who come to work sans breakfast. Breakfast vitamins and minerals less fat and cholesterol. By taking a full breakfast in the morning, you would not grow hungry by mid-day and fall into the trap of food binging which is usually a compensation mechanism for lack of nutrients. Breakfast can hold-off hunger pangs until lunchtime. People who would consume breakfast cereals contain a lot of proteins and carbohydrates. Its best to follow a one-week breakfast plan that contains a balanced amount of nutrients.

2. Getting Enough Sleep

Doctors have known for many years that getting quality sleep is beneficial for overall health. Mental and physical performance is greatly affected by the quality of sleep. Getting enough sleep plays a role in preventing common illnesses like colds and flu. Sleep deprivation has an adverse effect on the immune function. Not only that it helps reduce stress, it also reduces inflammation and makes you more alert. Not getting enough sleep can make you drowsy and can lead to hazardous situations.

3. Eating Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in leafy green vegetables, and fish such as salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce serum cholesterol levels and has anticoagulant properties. Omega-3 can be found in soybeans, granola, and tofu. It is known for reducing the risk of heart disease.

4. Socialize

Having a social life is good for your mental health. Join a club, volunteer, or go out with friends — these are activities that promote fun and interaction which are good for your emotional health. Through friends, you can get and share important information, get emotional support, and have a sense of belonging which helps in overcoming depression and anxiety attacks. Being part of a community keeps the mind active.

5. Exercise

Keeping in tip-tip shape through physical activities not only helps you lose weight, it keeps the bone healthy and strong, reduces diabetes, reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, promotes psychological well-being. Not only that, it gives you more energy boost and better stress management.

6. Take up a hobby

Pursuing other interests outside your regular occupation is a great form of relaxation. Find hobbies that are enjoyable and interesting like scrapbook-making, reading a good book, or doing craft works. The joy that hobbies bring to people can also help you lead a healthier life.

7. Good Hygiene

Good hygiene involves keeping your skin clean and protected from the sun from the ultraviolet rays of the sun that can cause wrinkles, dryness, and age spots. Overexposure to the UV rays can cause skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, skin cancers, and sunburn.

8. Drink Lots Of Water

Water is essential to good health. The body needs water to keep it hydrated. Another option is to drink tea which has a potential antioxidant effect.

Very few people are attuned with their spiritual health which has a significant effect in the over-all wellness of the mind and body. Spirituality is unique to each individual. It can be equated with traditional religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, or Buddhism. It could also be manifested in the level of growth that one experiences in personal relationships, or in simply being at peace with nature.

Those who are not in touch with their spiritual needs usually experience deep sadness, depression, intense anger, fear, anxiety, and grief. These negative feelings can create the environment for emotional, physical, and mental health dysfunction. People who suffer from repeated physical and emotional abuse carries a wounded and broken heart, as if perpetually tormented by life’s difficulties and pains. They do not realize that their heavy-heart influences their well-being or quality of life. Denial of the depth of distress will only aggravate the situation and may lead to serious heart conditions and illnesses.

Recent studies have shown the connection between depression and anxiety, and the development of heart diseases. They are considered risk factors equal to high cholesterol and diabetes. According to research, patients going through depression are twice as likely to die from the complications of a heart attack, compared with people who don’t have depression. Some experts even suggest that depression and anxiety should be classified as new risk factors for the development of heart disease.

People who are alone and friendless tend to be more sickly, with greater chances of developing heart disease and a shorter life expectancy, than those blessed with a wide circle of friends and other relationships that provide emotional and moral support. There seems to be a direct connection between illness and lack of love as documented in research studies conducted by Dean Ornish, M.D., a respected cardiologist from the University of California in San Francisco.

A few years ago, scientists have discovered that inflammation of the coronary arteries plays a role in the arteries becoming clogged with cholesterol. Two of the most successful heart medications, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, work at the hormonal level, reducing the influence of adrenaline released when we are upset, nervous, or experiencing stress and fear. These drugs have been nothing short of miraculous, reducing incidence of death by 30 percent.

However, there are many patients who do not respond well to drugs because of emotional as well as physical ailments. This is where alternative healing, such as meditation, prayer, or psychotherapy, comes in.

One such meditative therapy is called Sufism, or Practicing Remembrance — an ancient spiritual practice that originated in Islam, and best known in the West through the poetry of Rumi. Sufism focuses its many practical and effective methods of healing on the heart with a simple but miraculous way of opening a person to the healing rays of love.

Practicing Remembrance is a time-honored method of healing that makes use of a combination of breathing and sounds to open the heart to greater love. What you will be remembering when you utilize this technique is the concept of love. To many spiritual groups, the concept of love and God are interchangeable. For Sufis, the Practice of Remembrance is the repetition of God’s name in a number of succession or cycles. Each time the name of God is repeated, love flows into the heart. It is this continuous process of repetition that has the power to cleanse the heart of all the negative vibrations and the heaviness it carries. But it is important to visualize love or the spirit entering the heart when the sound is being repeated.

Spiritual wellness is discovering a sense of meaning in your life, and living out the reason and purpose of your existence.

Sigmund Freud, the Father of Psychoanalysis, came up with his own theory of explaining the occurrence of anxiety and depression as part of human experience. His explanation of this phenomena traces its origin from the three divisions of the psyche. According to Freud, the human psyche is divided into the id, ego, and superego. These three divisions are only acquired eventually as a person also grows. To have a better understanding of the psyche and its three divisions, one should start with the world and its components.

The world is made up of numerous and different components, and one of those components is the human organism. A human organism has a special ability to survive and reproduce, his guiding force being his needs such as hunger, thirst, fear of pain and sex. It should be noted that these needs are part of a person’s unconscious mind. A person’s psyche is sensitive to these needs and transforms them into instincts, drives or wishes. This division of the psyche functions with a process called the “pleasure principle” and it is described as the id’s responsibility to take care of the needs immediately. This behavior is mostly observed during infancy just like when a baby cries when it is hungry or thirsty. However, when a person’s need is not satisfied by the id his or her need just becomes stronger.

This need then enters the conscious mind which is associated to another division of the psyche. This part of the psyche is called the ego and it relates a person’s consciousness or reality. This part of the psyche operates based on the “reality principle.” The reality principle is about the belief that the ego will respond to satisfy the need as soon as it finds the appropriate object to satisfy it. However, as the ego continuously responds to an organism’s needs, it sometimes experiences obstacles against attaining its goals as well as things that assist it to attain the goals. The ego keeps track of these two types of factors, particularly the rewards and punishments that are given by two of the most influential persons in an organism’s life, his or her parents. The records that the ego keep about obstacles to avoid and the strategies it must take are all passed onto the superego, the third division of a person’s psyche. It is only when someone is around five or seven years old that this part of the psyche becomes complete.

The superego is divided into two subparts, the conscience and the ego ideal. The conscience is the internalization of the punishments and the warnings while the ego ideal is based on the rewards and positive models that a person had encountered. The superego, together with its subparts, communicate their own requirements to the ego through feelings such as shame, guilt, and pride. Because of the existence of the superego, a person also acquires a new set of needs as well as wishes. However, these new sets of needs are based on social rather than biological origins. These new wishes coming from the superego are sometimes in conflict with the wishes from the id, often leaving the ego overwhelmed or threatened.

This overwhelmed and threatened feeling of the ego is where anxiety comes from. According to Freud, there are three kinds of anxiety. The first kind is called realistic anxiety and it takes the form of human fears which are consequences of threats from the physical world. The second one is known as moral anxiety and it is a result of the threat that the ego perceives from the social world. It usually takes the form of feelings such as guilt, shame, and fear of punishment. Finally, the third kind of anxiety is called neurotic anxiety and it is a result of the fear of being overwhelmed by the impulses from the id.

In order for the ego to deal with these threats without feeling overwhelmed, it sometimes unconsciously blocks the impulses or distorts them into more acceptable forms. This process of blocking and distorting is what Freud called a “defense mechanism.”

Defense mechanisms come in various forms. One mechanism in particular is called turning against self. This happens when a person feels negative impulses such as hatred, aggression, and anger towards others but displaces these impulses to one’s self. This explains human emotions of inferiority, guilt, and depression. Depression, Freud further explains, actually results from anger that a person refuses to acknowledge.

As more and more people, nowadays, experience having problems with regards to their anxieties and depression, a better understanding of these concepts from a Freudian perspective can actually help in resolving it. According to Freud, resolution can only be achieved when a person is made aware of those experiences or ideas in the unconscious and therapy be directed to the root of the problems which are most likely rooted in the unconscious.