Contrary to the beliefs of some, crying is an important component of mental health and wellness. The benefits of crying are often unrecognized, overlooked, and under-appreciated, as it can be good for us both psychologically and physiologically. Those who consider it a sign of weakness may want to challenge this assumption and belief pattern. Both adults and children benefit from crying as a self-soothing mechanism that helps regulate emotions and restore emotional balance.
Introduction to Crying
Crying is a natural and beneficial response to the wide range of emotions we experience in everyday life. As a uniquely human behavior, crying is closely tied to strong emotions and serves as a powerful form of emotional expression. Despite lingering social stigmas, it’s important to recognize that both men and women cry—often more than we might think.
In fact, research shows that women cry 4 to 5 times per month, while men cry 0 to 1 times per month (Bylsma et al., 2018). Crying is not just a sign of vulnerability; it’s an attachment behavior that signals a need for support and connection, helping us build deeper relationships and foster community. By understanding the beneficial response that crying provides, we can better appreciate how it supports our emotional and physical well-being, making it a normal and healthy part of being human.
Physical Benefits
Crying offers a surprising number of physical health benefits that go beyond emotional release. When we shed emotional tears, our bodies actually expel stress hormones and other toxins, helping to reduce the physical burden of stress. Unlike reflex tears, which are produced to protect the eyes from irritants, or continuous tears that keep the eyes lubricated, emotional tears contain higher concentrations of stress hormones.
Crying also has physiological effects that promote calm. It can regulate breathing, often through rhythmical inhalations and exhalations during sobbing, which helps restore emotional and physiological balance. Crying may activate the parasympathetic nervous system and release soothing neurochemicals like oxytocin and endorphins, contributing to mood improvements and stress relief. The soothing effects of crying, such as stress reduction and mood regulation, are supported by these physiological mechanisms.
This means that crying in response to strong emotions can help cleanse the body and promote a sense of well-being. The act of crying also stimulates the release of endogenous opioids, or feel-good chemicals, which can ease physical pain and lift our mood. Tears themselves play a crucial role in eye health by keeping the ocular surface moist and reducing the risk of infection. Recognizing the health benefits of crying can help us embrace this natural response as an important part of maintaining our overall well-being.
Emotional Benefits
The emotional benefits of crying are just as significant as the physical ones. Crying allows us to release emotional pain and find relief from intense emotions such as sadness, grief, frustration, or anxiety. It acts as a self-soothing behavior, helping us to calm down and regain emotional balance after experiencing strong feelings. Shedding tears can be a powerful way to process and let go of emotional tension, making space for healing and growth. Crying also helps to reduce stress by releasing built-up tension and promoting a sense of calm.
Notably, when we cry, we often signal to others that we need support, which can foster empathy and strengthen social bonds. Allowing ourselves to cry can lead to a sense of emotional relief and comfort, supporting our mental health and helping us navigate the ups and downs of life with greater resilience.
Types of Tears
Not all tears are created equal—our bodies produce different types of tears for different reasons. Reflex tears are generated in response to irritants like dust or onions, helping to protect and cleanse the eyes. Continuous tears, also known as basal tears, are always present to keep the eyes lubricated and maintain a healthy ocular surface.
Emotional tears, however, are unique in that they are triggered by strong feelings such as sadness or joy. These emotional tears contain higher levels of stress hormones and other toxins, which are released from the body during crying episodes. Understanding the differences between reflex tears, continuous tears, and emotional tears helps us appreciate the special role that emotional crying plays in managing stress and supporting both our emotional and physical health.
Crying and Relationships
Crying plays a powerful role in our relationships, acting as a form of nonverbal communication that can deepen emotional connections. The vulnerability displayed in the act of crying encourages others to offer comfort and support.
In romantic relationships, sharing tears can foster intimacy and trust, allowing partners to connect on a deeper level. However, it’s important to find a healthy balance—while crying can promote a sense of calm and well-being, excessive crying may sometimes lead to misunderstandings or stress within relationships. Open communication about emotions and support needs can help maintain healthy dynamics, ensuring that crying continues to serve as a positive force for connection and emotional well-being.
Cultural Significance
Crying holds different meanings across cultures and throughout history, shaping how individuals express and interpret emotions. In some cultures, crying is embraced as a natural and necessary part of emotional expression, especially during times of grief or celebration. In others, it may be viewed as a sign of vulnerability or weakness, leading some people to suppress their tears. These cultural attitudes can influence how comfortable individuals feel about shedding tears in public or private.
Crying has also inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, reflecting its deep emotional and psychological significance. By understanding the cultural context of crying, we can develop a more empathetic and nuanced appreciation for this universal human experience and the many emotions and feelings it represents.
Final Thoughts
Crying is one of the most powerful emotional expressions in humans, reflecting our capacity for deep feeling and connection. There are individual differences in how people respond to crying, with some experiencing more positive effects and relief than others. If crying becomes overwhelming or persistent, consulting a mental health professional is recommended. The positive effects of crying on mood and stress are well-documented, making it a valuable tool for emotional regulation and well-being.
Sources
- Bylsma, L. M., Gračanin, A., & Vingerhoets, A. J. J. M. (2019). The neurobiology of human crying. Clinical autonomic research: official journal of the Clinical Autonomic Research Society, 29(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-018-0526-y
- Gračanin, A., Bylsma, L. M., & Vingerhoets, A. J. (2014). Is crying a self-soothing behavior?. Frontiers in psychology, 5, 502. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00502
- Müller I. (2009). Vom Nutzen und Nachteil des Weinens. Tränen aus medizinhistorischer Sicht [The benefits and disadvantages of crying. Tears from a medical historical viewpoint]. Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft, 106(7), 583–592. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00347-009-1967-4
- Sharman, L. S., Dingle, G. A., Vingerhoets, A. J. J. M., & Vanman, E. J. (2019). Using crying to cope: Physiological responses to stress following tears of sadness. Emotion, 20(7), 1279–1291. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000633
- Vingerhoets, A. J. J. M., & Bylsma, L. M. (2015). The Riddle of Human Emotional crying: a challenge for emotion researchers. Emotion Review, 8(3), 207–217. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073915586226
Karen Doll has been a Licensed Psychologist in the Twin Cities for 20 years, working in organizational consulting. She leverages her education in Clinical Psychology with her leadership assessment expertise in her practice. She is an executive coach focusing on helping people maximize their potential.