Apple Mail application deleted all my emails!!!!

So, I think the problem began a couple of days ago, when I tried to delete my archived emails in order to make space on my iCloud. In hindsight, this was such a mistake. I JUST noticed today that all my emails (on multiple accounts with both inbox, spam, sent, and archive being empty save for 17 emails). I tried to use Time-Machine to recover lost emails, but could not seem to hit the "Recover" button for my 6,000+ emails. I'm assuming this is because I don't have my Time Machine Application set up? I am missing emails from future employers and very precious attachments that I had saved in my emails. Even more unfortunately, I somehow have my iPhone's mail application and my Mac's application linked, so the emails have also disappeared from my phone. I have already sent out for help from Gmail, but I believe it's a lost cause since some of the emails were sent from an admin that I no longer have. Please, please, please, please help!