feel empty and sad suddenly

please help, this has been going for a while to the point of disturbing work productivity.

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Dear @Happy-ish

Thank you for reaching out and I hear how empty and sad you have been feeling. That kind of deep, heavy sadness — the kind that doesn’t come from one specific thing but just lingers, quietly affecting everything — can be incredibly hard to carry, especially when it starts to interfere with your day-to-day life like work or even just staying present.

You’re not alone in this, even if it feels that way right now.
And more importantly: you’re not weak or broken for feeling this.
I believe you have been holding in a lot for a long time, trying to keep going, trying to function — and that takes strength, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

When that kind of sadness starts to blur into numbness or emptiness, it can feel like you’re watching your own life from a distance — like you’re just going through the motions, trying to stay afloat while something inside feels… missing. Please know that is not you “failing” at anything. That’s a sign that something deep inside is asking for care.


You’re allowed to pause.

If productivity has dipped, I know it can feel scary or frustrating — especially if you’re usually someone who gets things done, keeps it together, or doesn’t want others to worry. But you’re not a machine. You’re a person. And right now, that person is hurting. And they deserve time, compassion, and support.


If it helps to hear this:

  • You’re not “too emotional.” You’re human.
  • It’s okay to not know exactly why you’re feeling like this.
  • You don’t have to explain your sadness perfectly in order to deserve support.
  • Just feeling empty or down for a while is enough reason to reach out.

Even just saying “I’m not okay” — like you just did — is already a powerful step.


If you have the space today or sometime soon, would you consider:

  • Talking to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or a mentor. Even just saying, “I don’t feel like myself lately” can be a huge relief.
  • Checking in with a mental health professional — especially since this has been going on for a while and is affecting work. You absolutely deserve support.
  • Or if that feels like too much right now: just sitting with someone, even in silence, can help. You don’t have to do this all on your own.

In this moment, all you need to do is take one gentle breath at a time. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need to force yourself to snap out of it. Let yourself be as you are, and trust that there are softer days ahead.

Please continue to reach out here whenever you need to. You are not alone in this.:yellow_heart:

Hi @Happy-ish,

That sounds incredibly frustrating, and I can only imagine how draining it must be to deal with something that’s constantly interfering with your ability to focus and be productive. Sometimes these persistent challenges can feel like an uphill battle, making even the simplest tasks harder than they should be. It’s completely understandable that this situation has taken a toll on you, and I want you to know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Whether it’s a work-related issue, an ongoing distraction, or something personal, your frustration is valid, and it’s okay to acknowledge that this has been difficult.

If you wish to speak to a professional regarding your mental health concerns, you may approach:

Community Outreach Team: SupportGoWhere

Community Intervention Team: SupportGoWhere

IMH CHAT: https://www.imh.com.sg/CHAT/Get-Help/Pages/default.aspx

Samaritans of Singapore: 9151 1767 (via WhatsApp)

Other Mental Health Services in Singapore: https://www.mindline.sg/youth/mental-health-service-providers/start

Hi @Happy-ish I hear you. I think the others have provided good resources but i just wanted to affirm how incredibly frustrating it might be to have these feelings come up so suddenly and so strongly. It absolutely sucks, yet you’re not alone.

Mental health is like physical health— there are times where we’re unwell and it can affect our ability to work and function. Sometimes we recover with rest. Sometimes, we need some extra help from professionals.

I encourage you to seek the extra support, using the resources shared or others you might find online. You’re not alone and while it may feel like not a quick fix — you matter, and your health matters. This stranger on the internet cares and I hope you’re able to recover with the support! Take good care, you’re not alone