Crying may support both the body and mind by restoring emotional balance, dulling pain, and activating your parasympathetic nervous system to help you self-soothe, among other benefits.
Crying is a common human action, and it can be triggered by many different emotions.
Researchers have found that crying can benefit both your body and your mind, and these benefits begin at birth with a baby’s first cry. Keep reading to learn more about the health benefits of crying.
There are three different types of tears:
- Reflex tears. These tears clear debris, like smoke and dust, from your eyes
- Basal tears. These tears lubricate your eyes and help protect them from infection.
- Emotional tears. These tears occur in response to an emotion, such as sadness or joy.
Researchers have theorized that crying flushes stress hormones and toxins out of your system, though more research is needed in this area.
Crying may be one of your best mechanisms to self-soothe. Researchers have found that crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS helps your body rest and digest. The benefits aren’t immediate, however. It may take several minutes of shedding tears before you feel the soothing effects of crying.
Crying for long periods of time releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, otherwise known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals can help ease both physical and emotional pain. Once the endorphins are released, your body may go into somewhat of a numb stage. Oxytocin can give you a sense of calm or well-being. It’s another example of how crying is a self-soothing action.
Along with helping you ease pain, crying, specifically sobbing, may even lift your spirits.
It can help to reduce stress and release endorphins, improving your overall mood.
If you’re feeling blue, crying is a way to let those around you know you are in need of support. This is known as an interpersonal benefit.
From the time you were a baby, crying has been an attachment behavior. Its function is in many ways to obtain comfort and care from others. In other words, it helps to build up your social support network when the going gets tough.
Grieving is a process. It involves periods of sorrow, numbness, guilt, and anger. Crying is particularly important during periods of grieving. It
Everyone goes through the grieving process in different ways. If you find that your crying is starting to interfere with your everyday life, it can be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional.
Crying doesn’t only happen in response to something sad. Sometimes you may cry when you are extremely happy, scared, or stressed. Research suggests that crying in this way may help to restore emotional equilibrium. When you’re incredibly happy or scared about something and cry, it may be your body’s way to recover from experiencing such a strong emotion.
Crying in response to something that makes you happy or sad is common and healthy. Don’t shy away from shedding tears if you feel the need to release. Excessive crying is something you should chat about with a doctor, however. If crying starts to interfere with your everyday activities, it may be a sign of depression.
Other symptoms of depression include:
- feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- feelings of irritability or frustration
- changes in appetite, or weight loss or gain
- lack of energy
- trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- unexplained aches or pains
- thoughts of death or suicide
If suicidal thoughts are surfacing, you should call 911 or seek emergency medical support.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone.
To get help right away, consider reaching out to a free and confidential crisis helpline. Connect 24/7, 365 days a year by:
- calling 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line)
- texting HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line
- using the Befrienders Worldwide search tool to find a crisis line if you’re outside of the U.S.
It’s OK to cry. It may even be beneficial to you. If you feel the need to cry, don’t hold back your tears. Tears are a regular, healthy way to express emotion.
However, if you find that your crying is starting to interfere with your everyday life, it might be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.