This caught my attention since I’ve been on this journey of understanding my mental health better, and a few months back, I stumbled upon the SIGECAPS acronym. It’s one of those tools that can really put things in perspective when you’re grappling with how you feel.
For those who might not know, SIGECAPS stands for Sleep disturbances, Interest loss, Guilt, Energy depletion, Concentration issues, Appetite changes, Psychomotor agitation or retardation, and Suicidal thoughts. It’s a lot to unpack, but it really helps to have everything laid out like that.
When I first looked at the acronym, I felt a wave of recognition. I mean, who hasn’t experienced some of those symptoms at one point or another? I remember a time when I was just dragging myself through my days, feeling completely drained. The “E” in SIGECAPS really hit home for me—energy depletion. Some days, it felt like I was wading through a thick fog. I’d wake up and think, “Okay, today is the day I’ll get things done,” only to find myself back on the couch, scrolling through my phone, feeling guilty about not being productive.
The “I” for interest loss is another big one. I used to love picking up a good book or diving into a new project, but lately, it felt like everything just sort of… faded. Friends would invite me out, and instead of the usual excitement, I’d just shrug it off. I often wonder if they noticed my absence or if they just thought I was busy. It’s tough to express that feeling of disconnect, isn’t it?
And speaking of tough, the “G” for guilt can be overwhelming. I find myself in this spiral, thinking about how I should be more active or engaging with people, yet battling that inner voice telling me I’m not doing enough. It’s a heavy weight to carry, even when I know I shouldn’t be so hard on myself.
Reflecting on SIGECAPS has been a little like shining a light into a dark room for me. It’s not just a checklist; it’s a starting point for conversations—both with myself and with my therapist. Being able to name those feelings makes it a bit easier to confront them, and it’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this.
I’d love to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences with SIGECAPS or if you’ve found other tools or methods that help you navigate your mental health. It’s interesting how we all process these feelings differently, isn’t it?