The Benefits Of A Good Cry: Crying Therapy To Release Emotions

Imagine you're watching a heart-wrenching movie, and you suddenly find tears streaming down your face. You might feel embarrassed or try to hold back the tears, but what if you just let them flow? There are many benefits of crying, such as stress and emotional release, and mood enhancement after the release of pent-up emotions. Crying in therapy can be a powerful way to heal from emotional pain, and it's something we all do naturally. Read on to learn more about the benefits of crying in a therapy session and explore the connection between crying and mental health. 

Understanding the health benefits of crying therapy

Due to its potential benefits, crying in therapy can be a useful way to manage emotions and mental health problems. When you let yourself cry, you allow your body to release strong feelings, which can help you feel better both in the moment and over time. While often considered a sign of vulnerability, crying may also serve as a healthy way to cope with stress and past traumas. Read on to learn more about the potential benefits of crying in therapy and how it could help you. 

What is crying therapy?

Crying in therapy is a healing method that supports emotional release through tears. This approach helps people work through and let go of emotional pain, which may be helpful for managing mental health challenges. 

Origins of crying therapy

The concept of crying therapy has its roots in various cultures and traditions. One notable example is Japanese cry therapy. In Japan, Hidefumi Yoshida, known as the "tears teacher," leads crying sessions to help people cope with stress and boost their mental health. These sessions are often accompanied by sad films or stories that encourage emotional release through tears.

The science behind the health benefits of crying therapy

There are several reasons why crying might have therapeutic effects on both our physical and emotional health. First, crying may help release certain hormones and toxins that can build up in the body due to stress. This process results in a natural detoxification that can ease our mental strain and help us feel better.

Why humans cry

Humans may cry for many reasons, including grief, joy, sadness, fear, surprise, and other strong emotions. However, not all crying is the same, as there are differences between emotional tears versus reflex tears.

Reflex tears are a type of tear that our eyes produce in response to irritants, such as dust, smoke, or strong odors. Their main purpose is to defend the eyes by flushing out these irritants and keeping the eye surface moist and nourished. 

Reflex tears vs emotional tears

Reflex tears are different from those shed during therapy, as this focuses on emotional tears that we shed during moments of intense feelings, like sadness, pain, or joy. Emotional tears help us process and release emotional pain, while reflex tears serve a defensive function for our eyes. Emotional expression through tears can also be associated with many different kinds of strong emotions, including joy, anger, and fear. Crying may be an effective way to spur emotional healing and provide stress relief, and it's often seen as a natural part of our lives. In fact, research shows that people cry in about 21% of therapy sessions, highlighting the importance of crying as a tool for personal growth and more positive mental health. However, there are also many factors that play a role in crying, including fatigue, sleep deprivation, hormones, comfort levels in expressing emotions, and the presence of mental health conditions. For example, a person may cry more easily (or not at all) when they experience emotional dysregulation and depression.

What crying communicates emotionally

Tears may promote social bonding when crying occurs in a safe space. When individuals feel comfortable expressing emotions, crying may foster trust and encourage empathy and understanding. For example, when partners express deeper emotions in a relationship, it may strengthen their relationship.

The psychological and physical benefits of crying

Crying can provide emotional relief and stress reduction. One of the key benefits of crying is that it may activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can provide calming effects. A good cry can also help people process emotions.

Emotional relief and stress reduction

Crying in therapy may offer several different health benefits for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or other types of emotional pain. This form of therapy can help manage mental health conditions and improve both emotional and physical health. Listed below are several of these benefits to mental health and well-being. 

Reduces anxiety and depression

Crying helps release stress hormones and promotes the production of oxytocin and endogenous opioids (endorphins), which are natural feel-good chemicals that help ease emotional pain. These chemicals may also help regulate mood while a person processes emotions. As a result, this can be effective in relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression, like constant worry or feelings of hopelessness. For example, a student experiencing test anxiety might find that a crying session helps them regain composure and focus.

Releases emotional pain

Shedding tears provides a cathartic experience, allowing the processing and release of old pain and trauma. For example, someone dealing with a past loss, like a breakup or the death of a loved one, may find relief through tears. As individuals express their grief and emotions through tears, this method promotes emotional healing and prevents feelings from becoming buried or bottled up inside.

Improves mood and reduces feelings of sadness

The act of shedding tears may lead to instant mood improvement, providing an opportunity to self-soothe. By releasing negative feelings and relieving emotional pain, individuals can experience a lighter and more positive outlook on life after a crying session, like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. This can be particularly helpful for someone who's been struggling with persistent sadness or irritability. 

Reduces stress and tension by lowering stress hormones

As emotions are expressed through tears, the body experiences a reduction in stress hormones, such as cortisol. The physical effects of tears may lead to lower blood pressure and a slower heart rate, promoting relaxation and decreasing tension. For instance, after a tough day at work or a tense situation with friends, crying might help a person feel more relaxed and focused.

Strengthens immune systems

Stress is known to impair the function of the immune system. By reducing stress hormones and tension in the body, this may help support a stronger immune system. A healthier emotional state positively affects physical health, enabling the body to fight off sickness more effectively. This means that the benefits of crying in therapy may go beyond emotional healing and can also support physical health, like improving resistance to common colds or other illnesses.

Frequency of crying 

How often do people cry?

Crying is a natural emotional response to pain, stress, and other emotions. But how much crying is considered too much? Research has found that American women may cry 3.5 times every month, while men might cry around 1.9 times monthly.  Worldwide, women may shed emotional tears an average of 30 to 64 times a year, whereas men tend to cry 3 to 17 times per year. These gender differences suggest culture-based gender biases in emotional expression.

Crying in a therapy session

Crying in a therapy session can be a common experience as clients work towards processing and releasing emotions. Vulnerability expressed through crying may also offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client. When a person perceives they are receiving empathetic support as they navigate complex emotions, they may gain more trust in the therapeutic process. This, in turn, may positively affect the outcome of therapy.  

Is crying always helpful?

There are many situations where crying can provide emotional relief, reduce stress, and help us calm down. Crying can also help us release emotions that may, when repressed, be detrimental to our well-being and mental health. For example, findings indicate an association between maladaptive coping, such as repressing emotions, with mental health concerns and alcohol misuse. 

However, there may also be times when crying may signal emotional distress or an underlying mental health concern. This may be the case when a person’s crying interferes with daily functioning or becomes uncontrollable. For instance, a person experiencing depression may find that they have difficulty controlling their emotions and may cry more easily. Seeking support from a mental health professional may be beneficial in these cases. 

When to seek help from mental health professionals for stress and emotional pain

In some cases, crying can be a sign of healing, especially during grief. However, it can also be important to recognize when crying might be an indication of a deeper issue. If crying becomes overwhelming or uncontrollable, it can be crucial to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional. To identify whether you or a loved one is crying too much, pay attention to the following factors:

• Timing: If crying becomes a constant or disruptive element in daily life, then it might be excessive. 
• Relationships: Crying that interferes with or strains personal relationships could indicate a concern.
• Cause: If a minor event or no apparent cause leads to excessive crying, this might indicate an underlying concern.
• Duration: Prolonged periods of crying without relief might be a sign to seek help.

Why do I cry when I'm stressed?

If you feel like your crying is preventing you from managing your day-to-day, it is recommended to seek help. However, for many people, crying can be an effective form of therapy. A mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can help guide you through therapy. Trained professionals can provide support, techniques, and a comfortable environment for emotional healing and personal growth.

Seeking mental health support for emotional pain, stress, and feelings of sadness

In times of emotional distress, you may benefit from seeking additional support. Whether you're struggling with fear, depression, or other challenges, a therapist or counselor may provide the guidance you need. For example, therapy might help with trauma processing and releasing suppressed emotions in a safe, supportive space. One option is to consider online therapy, which offers services from the comfort of your own home and can be particularly useful during crises or when physical distance may be a factor.

Coping strategies alongside crying

In addition to crying, adopting healthy coping strategies to manage emotions and release stress may also be beneficial. There can also be times when you may not want to cry in an unsupportive or inappropriate environment, so expressing emotions in another way might be helpful. Some healthy coping strategies in these situations include:

• Practicing deep breathing exercises to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and help you calm down and relax
• Practicing grounding exercises that help you focus on your senses, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique
• Practicing mindfulness meditation regularly
• Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and eating healthy meals
• Exercising
• Journaling to express emotions

What are the benefits of crying therapy on your mental health?

Many people may feel afraid or apprehensive when thinking about therapy, and these emotions can prevent them from reaching out for help. However, these concerns are common, and seeking support can be a courageous step toward healing. Here are some ways to make seeking support more manageable:

• Discuss your feelings with a trusted friend or family member – they might offer valuable insight or suggest a therapist they know and trust.
• Research different mental health professionals and their areas of expertise to find one that fits your needs.
• Consider attending therapy sessions with a group if you don't feel comfortable starting one-on-one sessions.
• Remember that your therapist is there to help you. Being honest and open about your feelings and experiences can be beneficial to your mental health.

Explore various resources and therapy options, such as online platforms like BetterHelp, to find the right fit for your individual needs. Remember, it may never too late to ask for help and make a positive change in your life.

Benefits of seeking online mental health support

Online platforms like BetterHelp connect people with licensed mental health professionals who can help them work through tough emotions and teach coping skills. The convenience of online therapy may be especially helpful when you’re experiencing persistent emotional distress, and want to connect with a therapist who can provide emotional support. 

These websites provide a safe space for users to express their feelings in a healthy way. With online therapy, you can choose a therapist based on your needs and preferences, as well as the expertise and qualifications of the therapist. You can also choose to connect with your therapist through video chats, phone calls, or in-app messaging, according to what feels most comfortable for you.

The efficacy of online therapy

Those considering online therapy may wonder how it compares to traditional interventions. Research has consistently indicated that online therapy may be just as effective in addressing a range of mental health concerns. Further, in one study, researchers found that a crying therapy intervention successfully induced positive emotional changes and physiological effects in breast cancer survivors, illustrating its effectiveness in improving quality of life.