PR
If she is not spayed, she may come back pregnant, so then you may have more reasons to feel needed!
If she is used to the outdoors, she will likely come back soon. Either way, you will need to do some things to find her so she will be safe. These are the things to do for a "missing" cat:
-Under things: Check under decks, porches, crawl spaces or any other area that is low to the ground. Cats often hide there. Take a flashlight and shine it under these areas; you may see the cat, or her eyes flash from the light.
-Inside things: Check garden sheds and garages where she may get shut inside.
-Calling her: Go outside and call her.
-Calling at night: ESPECIALLY: If she is still outside toward dark, go calling at night. Cats are bolder at night and more likely to come out even if frightened. Bring some cat food. Walk a bit, rattle the food while calling, pause and listen. Continue until you find her.
-Signs: If missing by the next day, place signs that say: LOST CAT/PHONE NUMBER. Do not hesitate to do this because this may find your cat for you. You don't need to put a full description, because people will call you if they find a cat. You can describe her to determine whether it is her. The most important thing is the letters are HUGE such as using a small foam brush. Place a minimum of ten signs around where people can see them while driving.
-Shelters: If she is still missing in one or two days, then check all shelters even remotely near your house. Check each couple days since they all have different schedules in how long they keep the animals. Please note: It is better to go to shelters in person, because shelters are known for being terrible at describing or identifying animals in their possession. You know your cat, and you will know her if you see her. They don't.
-Dish of food: Put food out near the door, still calling her.
-Humane cat trap: If she is still missing in a few days, place a humane cat trap near your house with food inside it. Place in a sheltered area that is not exposed to the sun. Check, often.
Cats don't usually go far except for things such as breeding; if they were recently moved from their home and are searching for their original home; frightened by something, etc. Otherwise, they usually stay nearby, but it is up to you to go and find her because a frightened cat may stay hidden for awhile if their special person is not near and looking for them.
After you find her, be sure you get her spayed if not already spayed; place a collar on her with an I.D. tag; get her microchipped.
Then, consider volunteering for an animal rescue league and you may feel happier by helping other animals. Safely get together with people so you can feel part of things and have people to talk with. Join groups that feature interests you have in common; volunteer somewhere to feel good about your own well-being. Always be safe in any of these things.