Lauren Bylsma, PhD, talks about why crying evolved, the psychological and social purposes of tears, why some people cry more easily than others, and whether having a good cry can really make you feel better when you’re sad.
Emotional tears make you feel more vulnerable, which could improve your relationships. Crying often connects people, whether it’s out of grief, love, passion, or another strong emotion.
Crying is the dropping of tears (or welling of tears in the eyes) in response to an emotional state or physical pain. Emotions that can lead to crying include sadness, anger, joy, and fear. Crying can also be caused by relief from a period of stress or anxiety, or as an empathetic response.
Crying is a common and normal reaction that often involves tears from your eyes. You might cry when something irritates your eyes because of strong feelings and emotions or as a symptom of medical conditions.
Research suggests that crying is not a sign of weakness, but one of the most sophisticated social technologies in the natural world.
Crying may benefit both the mind and body by restoring emotional balance, relieving pain, and improving mood. Here's why crying is good for you.
9 Benefits of Crying for the Mind and Body - Verywell Health
In general, crying is normal and healthy. It can release stress, boost your “feel-good” hormones, and even provide natural pain relief. And, as many people know from experience, you often feel better after a good cry. But what happens if you cry every day?
Is It Normal to Cry Every Day? Reasons Behind Crying So Much - GoodRx