Random spells of sadness

[girlinNYC]

The title is quite self explanatory.

Over the past few months I've noticed I have been experiencing random and unexpected down moods characterised by feelings of wanting to cry but not knowing why - it can sometimes only last an hour or two, other times up to a day. I have never been diagnosed with depression, nor do I have a history of mental illness in the family. It'll go for a couple of weeks then come back without any reason.

 

I also don't have a specific reason or the 'typical' life triggers that could be causing it. I am under no financial stress, I have the best parents, a good network of friends, good health etc, so part of me feels bad for having it so good yet still feeling sad at times when others with much less seem happier? What right do I have to fall into random sad moods?

 

The only factors I can think of that are less than 'perfect' at the moment is job satisfaction at work (currently applying for new roles so that is being tackled) and my love life currently being in limbo as I'm single. I had a random intrusive thought the other day "maybe this sudden sadness I'm feeling is actually my intuition telling me he's currently on a date with another girl" illogical and irrational, I know.

 

I saw my doctor and got a number of tests done to check for any nutrient deficiencies that could cause the outbreak in down moods, it did come out with a hormone imbalance however I've been taking a number of herbal supplements to get my hormones back in check and they are, but it doesn't seem to have changed the random onset of crying spells.

 

Would anyone have a perspective to offer?

[bummer]

\What right do I have to fall into random sad moods?

 

You have the right because you're a human with feelings. Simple as that. It's okay to not feel super happy awesome all the time. It's probably healthy to have some balance. Better to have some down days rather than a drug-induced flat calm numbness I think. You also are probably still processing whoever he was and the end of that relationship. Give it time.

 

Are you exercising regularly?

[froggymom]

If the doctor found a hormone imbalance then my guess is that it will take time for supplements and medication to do their jiob. Hang in there and keep connected to friends and family as much as possible. They will love you as you are even with the crying spells.

[CautiouslyOptimistic]

The title is quite self explanatory.

Over the past few months I've noticed I have been experiencing random and unexpected down moods characterised by feelings of wanting to cry but not knowing why - it can sometimes only last an hour or two, other times up to a day. I have never been diagnosed with depression, nor do I have a history of mental illness in the family. It'll go for a couple of weeks then come back without any reason.

 

I also don't have a specific reason or the 'typical' life triggers that could be causing it. I am under no financial stress, I have the best parents, a good network of friends, good health etc, so part of me feels bad for having it so good yet still feeling sad at times when others with much less seem happier? What right do I have to fall into random sad moods?

 

The only factors I can think of that are less than 'perfect' at the moment is job satisfaction at work (currently applying for new roles so that is being tackled) and my love life currently being in limbo as I'm single. I had a random intrusive thought the other day "maybe this sudden sadness I'm feeling is actually my intuition telling me he's currently on a date with another girl" illogical and irrational, I know.

 

I saw my doctor and got a number of tests done to check for any nutrient deficiencies that could cause the outbreak in down moods, it did come out with a hormone imbalance however I've been taking a number of herbal supplements to get my hormones back in check and they are, but it doesn't seem to have changed the random onset of crying spells.

 

Would anyone have a perspective to offer?

 

How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

 

If it's coming back every couple of weeks, it could be related to your cycle. When I was in my early thirties, I was experiencing a very similar problem. I, too, felt guilty for being so miserable when everything in my life was just fine and I ad no reason to feel the way I did.

 

It got really bad to where I was in my room crying for 8 hours straight at a time (I had toddlers at this time also). It started right around ovulation and continued until I got my period every month (this is also called your luteal phase). I ultimately was diagnosed with PMDD.

 

My doctor prescribed a drug called Sarafem, which is basically Prozac, but it's formulated in a way that you can take it only during your luteal phase if you prefer, OR you can take it all month long. I took it all month long.

 

The difference it made in my life was HUGE! I was a normal person again. I'm so glad I went on it. I was on it for maybe 2.5 years and then went off without any issues. Years later I did start experiencing some anxiety related mood issues, but not depression, and I'm once again on an SSRI, but my PMS is not even close to what it was like back then. This was about 12 years ago, FYI, so Sarafem may not be the drug of choice these days, but PMDD is absolutely a thing because I had it.

[girlinNYC]

If the doctor found a hormone imbalance then my guess is that it will take time for supplements and medication to do their jiob. Hang in there and keep connected to friends and family as much as possible. They will love you as you are even with the crying spells.

 

Thank you. I think if anything the logical reason is the unbalanced hormones. My doctor did say that it can take up to 6 months. Just seems to crazy to get sad and have no other clear reason.

[girlinNYC]

You have the right because you're a human with feelings. Simple as that. It's okay to not feel super happy awesome all the time. It's probably healthy to have some balance. Better to have some down days rather than a drug-induced flat calm numbness I think. You also are probably still processing whoever he was and the end of that relationship. Give it time.

 

Are you exercising regularly?

 

Definitely reminds you you're human when you have random mood swings!

It wasn't an end of relationship per se, it's more to do with a relationship that's currently in limbo. So that could be a factor too. All I have been doing lately is yoga, I'm not in any way out of shape I just don't feel I have the energy lately to do anything more strenuous.

Thanks for your perspective

[girlinNYC]

How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

 

If it's coming back every couple of weeks, it could be related to your cycle. When I was in my early thirties, I was experiencing a very similar problem. I, too, felt guilty for being so miserable when everything in my life was just fine and I ad no reason to feel the way I did.

 

It got really bad to where I was in my room crying for 8 hours straight at a time (I had toddlers at this time also). It started right around ovulation and continued until I got my period every month (this is also called your luteal phase). I ultimately was diagnosed with PMDD.

 

My doctor prescribed a drug called Sarafem, which is basically Prozac, but it's formulated in a way that you can take it only during your luteal phase if you prefer, OR you can take it all month long. I took it all month long.

 

The difference it made in my life was HUGE! I was a normal person again. I'm so glad I went on it. I was on it for maybe 2.5 years and then went off without any issues. Years later I did start experiencing some anxiety related mood issues, but not depression, and I'm once again on an SSRI, but my PMS is not even close to what it was like back then. This was about 12 years ago, FYI, so Sarafem may not be the drug of choice these days, but PMDD is absolutely a thing because I had it.

 

Hi there, I'm 23. Glad to hear your situation has been sorted out. I definitely have experienced much the same emotionally.

In terms of my cycle I've found it's occurred multiple times just after my period has ended. I'll know it isn't technically PMS because I'll feel sad a day or two after my period end date as opposed to the week leading up to it. Between day 8 of my cycle (5 days until my fertile window) is when it's most prevalent. My periods have been slightly irregular lately also.

I will have a look at PMDD and go back to my doctor soon to discuss that.