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Why Do We Cry? 4 Reasons and Crying Benefits

crying benefits
By: Rane Wallace, MS, LPC, LCDC, SAP

There’s no getting around it – crying is part of the human experience. And while every human cries a different amount, most of us aren’t fully aware of the reasons why (or the surprising crying benefits that come with it).

Of course, that’s where we come in. As mental health professionals, we like to remind our clients that crying is a self-soothing way to feel better. And just like our bodies sweat when we need to cool off, we cry whenever we need an emotional boost.

Keep scrolling and we’ll reveal why that is, as well as some little-known crying benefits.

4 Reasons Why We Cry

Wondering why people cry? Below are the four most common reasons:

1. To Signal Distress

The first reason why we cry is also the most obvious: to signal a state of distress. A prime example would be infants who aren’t yet able to vocalize what they want. Similarly, people cry whenever they’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, angry, frustrated about a situation, or facing an unexpected life event.

2. Depression

Sadness differs from depression, as sadness is an emotion, and depression is an ongoing mental health condition. However, frequent bouts of crying might indicate that you’re struggling with the latter. And if that’s the case, speaking with a qualified depression counselor (like those at Fort Wellness Counseling) can help.

3. Physical Injury

Crying is a very natural response to physical injury. When we’re in physical pain, our body becomes stressed and produces cortisol (the stress hormone). Crying releases cortisol, which helps our bodies recover from the pain we just experienced.

4. To Express Joy

For some folks, experiencing extreme joy produces tears. Most often, this happens during major life events like weddings or the birth of children.

Crying Benefits

Now that we’ve covered the reasons why people cry, let’s dive into some crying benefits:

Crying Releases Endorphins

Most people feel better after a good cry. And that’s because crying releases endorphins like oxytocin, which are feel-good chemicals impacting both physical and mental health. Not only that, but the act of crying lowers your cortisol levels (which is your stress hormone).

Crying Benefits Your Eyes

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), tears protect your eyes and shield them from dirt, debris, and other irritants. Not only that, but they help lubricate your eyes and protect them from harmful bacteria.

Crying Benefits Your Mental Health

Some people have trouble crying because of the stigma that surrounds expressing emotions. However, suppressing those emotions can lead to depression, anxiety, or increased stress levels. And because crying releases endorphins like oxytocin, people who hold back their tears might experience a lower mood overall.

Of course, some people naturally cry less than others – and that’s totally okay! If that sounds like you, just make sure you have other ways of expressing your emotions and outlets for dealing with physical and/or emotional pain.

Best Therapists in Fort Worth

After reading today’s blog post, we hope you understand why people cry – as well as some of the crying benefits it brings.

If you’re struggling to process your emotions or cope with difficult circumstances, the licensed counselors at Fort Wellness Counseling are here for you. As one of the best therapy clinics in Fort Worth, we provide patient-centered care to individuals navigating all sorts of mental health challenges. Now, we’d be happy to do the same for you. Contact our team to get started.

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