What am I feeling?

A lack of insight into yourself may lead to that sudden emptiness feeling.  Sometimes this is called "living without a purpose."  It means that you might not have clarity on the type of person you are or the who you want to become.  Not having goals or dreams to achieve can also lead you to feel empty.  

Feeling empty or darkness in not uncommon.  It is real and valid.  Although overwhelming and confusing, it can be managed.  Learning to recognize cognitive distortions or thoughts may be helpful to explore in therapy.  Another strategy would be to increase awareness to see what was happening when you notice that the good day has shifted.  There could be a pattern of a trigger that is occurring which could be visual, sound, smell, taste or touch related.  

Feeling empty can manifest as a sense of loneliness.  Perhaps the good day was due to being around people and then the emptiness starts when home alone or having a sense of isolation or not being connected to someone or a part of something.

There have been many causes over the last two years as a result of the pandemic that required physical distancing, losing jobs, loved ones and finances.  

If there is a history of or current trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder can cause hypervigalence, flashbacks, nightmares or a sense of depersonalization.  

Emptiness can also be a symptom of grief or unresolved past experience from childhood or a sense of abandonment by a family member. Joining a support group could be an option.

For some people, taking care of others might come first.  This could lead you to put your own needs aside for a long time.  This, in turn, may lead to feeling empty or resentful.  There could also be a lack of quality significant relationships in your life. Emotional intimacy, support, active listening and company are all important.