Moments of utter despair

[dontforgettofloss]

Last year shortly before Covid hit I had a bit of a breakdown at work, they were all very kind and I went back feeling a bit better, but just all of a sudden would have these moments of feeling panicky, but also completely drained and in despair, there was no trigger for them.

Shortly after, lockdowns happened, and although I was worried about getting Covid, I didn't feel too bad.
Fast forward to now, and I'm feeling those horrible feelings again, I could just be doing something normal- loading the dishwasher, putting my shoes on, anything, and I just feel this completely empty feeling- like life has no point at all, just a horrible moment of despair.
I've been on anti depressants for a long time for anxiety, and they take the edge off, but what I'm feeling isn't anxiety, it's just indescribable.
I don't even know why I'm posting, I guess I just need to get it off my chest, and want to know if anyone ever feels like this

peaceanddove I did wonder if it was peri menopause, but my periods are like clockwork, although quite painful

muddlebubble sorry to hear you've been through it as well, I did try upping my anti depressants last year (with the advice of my gp) and it made me feel worst, maybe it's the ones I'm on- sertraline, that aren't working anymore

@dontforgettofloss

peaceanddove I did wonder if it was peri menopause, but my periods are like clockwork, although quite painful

It still doesn't matter. Even if you're periods are exactly the same as ever, it can still so easily be the peri menopause.

Agree re the perimenopause. It does sound like that. I'd try some HRT and see if it helps. The proof will be in the pudding.

Just in case it's not, how do antidepressants help with anxiety anyway? Aren't those two things at the opposite end of the mood disorder spectrum? Usually if you experience anxiety with low mood, that's bipolar disorder. Which can't be treated with antidepressants and might also explain why they're not working.

Also, if these horrible mood dips are caused by hormonal fluctuations then it's very likely that anti depressants won't work on them. My consultant told me that it was very different chemistry.