Easy Steps to Remember the Angle of Depression

Depression, a common mental illness that affects millions of people around the world, often presents like other conditions. People often think they have a medical condition causing pain, anxiety or high levels of stress. While these conditions can be a part of depression, they also can exist independently with different symptoms. There are specific behaviors and feelings associate with depression that might not exist with stress, anxiety or a medical condition. One useful means of distinguishing characteristics of depression from other mental health conditions is the mnemonic device "SIG-E-CAPS."

SIG-E-CAPS

• According to graduate-level training in clinical diagnosis at Drexel University's Creative Arts in Therapy program in Philadelphia, "SIG-E-CAPS" is a mnemonic explanation to assist with recognizing characteristics specific to depression.

  Sleep: increased during the day or decreased sleep at night or general change in sleep patterns.

  Interest: loss of interest in usual pleasure activities.

  Guilt: feeling worthless--depressed people often have devalued sense of self or low self-esteem.

  Energy: general lack of energy or feeling lethargic most of the time.

  Cognition/Concentration: difficulty focusing or concentrating in cognitive processes.

  Appetite: change in eating habits; often a decreased appetite. Sometimes overeating.

  Psychomotor: irritability expressed in agitation or anxiety; could also be displayed in slowed movements as in lethargy. Could be as extreme as a catatonic state (immobilized).

  Suicide: a preoccupation with thoughts or actions relating to death or suicide.

Caution

• If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of depression, consult a mental health clinician for appropriate treatment.

  If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or attempts, please call your local emergency room or crisis hot line immediately.

  1-800-273-TALK