A spell of despondency

Origin

The word "spell," meaning a period of time, has a fascinating, almost magical lineage, conjuring images of an enchantment or a temporary state cast upon someone—a use dating back to Old English. When paired with "despondency," a feeling derived from the Latin "despondere," meaning "to give up" or "lose heart," the phrase truly captures the sense of being under an unwelcome, temporary mental cloud. It's as if a dark, melancholic influence has descended, not permanently claiming one's spirit, but holding it captive for a brief, heavy duration, waiting for the enchantment to break.