Is Crying Good for You?

From the catharsis of processing and releasing emotions to strengthening relationships and improving physical health, crying can be much more powerful than you might give it credit for. Understanding the emotional and physical health benefits of crying and exploring strategies for overcoming the societal stigma attached to the practice can promote a more empowering and healing experience the next time you feel the need to cry. 

Below, we explore why we cry, the possible emotional benefits of crying, how to cry healthily and the benefits of online therapy in your journey of emotional exploration.

Why do we cry?

Crying starts for most humans at birth, with many babies crying continuous tears for the first several weeks of life. It’s their main way of communicating emotions since they don’t have the skills to express what they’re feeling in ways adults can. It’s also an attachment behavior, which functions as a way to get comfort and care from those around them. Crying also helps babies sleep – one study even showing that allowing a baby to cry can help with infant sleep problems. But as we get older, we begin to cry for different reasons.

Humans may be the only species capable of crying emotional tears. Unlike reflex tears, which are prompted by physical stimuli and happen to many animals, humans cry when they experience a powerful emotion. It could be part of a grieving process, a reaction to something that brings about feelings of joy, or just a way to process any other intense emotion. One theory is that the signals come from the part of your brain that triggers emotions in order to calm your body down and regulate what you’re feeling. The tears work to self soothe someone who is experiencing intense feelings of sadness, happiness, or other strong emotions.

Research suggests that women cry more frequently than men. In general people cry emotional tears when experiencing emotional pain. When people find themselves having a deep belly cry, their parasympathetic nervous system is activated. The parasympathetic nervous system helps the body release stress by regulating blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. If you are experiencing concerning physical symptoms it is advisable to seek medical advice.

Crying good tears of release may support your mental health and well-being. If you

The emotional benefits of crying

Oftentimes, people associate crying with being sad, but shedding tears is a natural response to process and release many emotions. When we cry, our bodies can release stress hormones, which may help to reduce the emotional pain and intensity we are experiencing and provide a sense of release, bringing us back to emotional equilibrium. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who have experienced a traumatic event or have unresolved emotional concerns. Crying might also help to alleviate feelings of guilt, shame and other negative emotions, which may lead to a sense of emotional catharsis and a greater degree of personal healing.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

In addition to having the ability to ease pain and help us process and release our emotions, crying might also play a positive role in our relationships. Allowing ourselves to cry in front of others can foster deeper emotional intimacy and vulnerability. It can encourage us to have a stronger and more authentic connection with our partners, also serving as an expression of empathy — which can allow us to connect with others on a deeper level and feel more understood. Crying is not generally a sign of weakness, and it doesn't mean that a person cannot handle their emotions. Instead, it may indicate that the person cares enough to feel and express emotion. 

The physical benefits of crying

There can be more benefits to crying than just an emotional response. It may also physically affect the health of our bodies. 

When we cry, our body has the ability to release stress hormones such as which may have a soothing effect on our nervous system. Additionally, the physical act of crying activates the release of endorphins, which can act as natural painkillers for our bodies. The self soothing behavior and release of feel good chemicals can be one reason why crying could help you to experience physical and emotional relief.

In addition to the immediate physical sensations that crying may do for us, It may also positively impact our overall physical health. Studies have shown that crying might help reduce inflammation in the body, which can have a defensive effect against various diseases such as asthma, arthritis and other chronic conditions. Crying might also help to lower blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the level of stress hormones in the body. 

How to cry in a healthy way

Creating a safe and comfortable environment to have a good cry can be an ideal step towards allowing ourselves to process and release our emotions fully. This might include finding a quiet space, lighting candles, diffusing essential oils or playing calming music to create a safe and welcoming space. You might also choose to practice self-compassion and self-care when crying as you continue to acknowledge and validate your feelings. You can also indulge in self-care after you’re done crying. 

People can react to crying differently. It can be helpful to have a support system in place that you can trust, whether it’s a close friend, family member, or therapist. Your network can offer a non-judgmental ear and a comforting presence, supporting you in your expression of emotion away from possible stigma or negative attitudes. 

You might also try to remind yourself that crying is a natural and healthy aspect of our emotional experience, and that the opinions of others do not define our worth or value as a person. 

When to seek help

Although crying has many health benefits, constant crying may be a sign of deeper mental health conditions. If you are experiencing signs of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, lack of energy, or unexplained aches, a therapist may be beneficial in supporting you and finding treatment options to help you heal. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek help immediately.

If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available 24/7.

Even if you aren’t experiencing intense symptoms, a therapist can still help you better understand your emotions and find ways to cry healthily. Therapists usually stay up to date on health news and may have useful information to share.

Benefits of online therapy for those undergoing emotional exploration

One of the many benefits that online therapy can have is its ability to help individuals process and make sense of their emotions in a discrete and non-judgmental way — including sadness and the urge to cry. 

Is online therapy an effective form of emotional support?

Current clinical studies suggest that online therapy can be an effective supportive strategy for those experiencing various mental health struggles — including anxiety disorders or depression. 

A study published in Frontiers of Psychology found that online therapy may have been particularly helpful in reducing stress, anxiety disorder and depression symptoms among participants. It also showed that online therapy could be beneficial in terms of helping individuals to build emotional resilience and cultivate a more positive attitude towards emotions such as sadness or crying.