The superego, unable to retaliate against the lost object externally, flails out at the psychic representation of the lost object, now internalized in the ego as an introject. When the ego overcomes or merges with the superego, energy previously bound in the depressive symptoms is released, and a mania supervenes with the typical symptoms of excess. Projection is the unconscious defense mechanism in which a person attributes to another person those generally unconscious ideas, thoughts, feelings, and impulses that are personally undesirable or unacceptable. Sublimation is an unconscious defense mechanism in which the energy associated with unacceptable impulses or drives is diverted into personally and socially acceptable channels. Undoing is an unconscious defense mechanism by which a person symbolically acts out in reverse something unacceptable that has already been done or against which the ego must defend itself.
Altruism is regard for and dedication to the welfare of others.