Why Do We Cry?

Crying typically occurs in response to emotional or physical pain, but it can also be expressed as happy tears. When you cry, endorphins are released, causing you to feel more calm and less stressed. Your mental health can be impacted if you hold back tears or try not to cry. Crying is not a sign of weakness, and there are many reasons why crying can benefit you.

1. Distress signal

One reason people try is to signal distress, often seen in a babies and infants when attempting to express a need. Babies cry when they are hungry, in pain, or have a dirty diaper. Crying may also signal physical or emotional distress in children, adults, and adolescents. Feelings of being overwhelmed, stressed, or angry are common reasons someone may cry in distress. Crying can also occur when you’re frustrated about a situation or have an unexpected life event.

2. Grief and loss

Grief is one of life’s inevitable stressors you will face at some point in your lifetime. Grief can be overwhelming and make it challenging to complete your daily activities. Many people cry to express their grief, which can be a typical part of the grieving process. Not everyone has the ability to cry when experiencing loss. Some individual use other outlets to express emotion like journaling or a support group.

3. Depression

Depression is different than sadness. Sadness is considered an emotion, while depression is a mental health condition. One symptom of depression is frequent crying. Speaking to a mental health professional may be helpful when experiencing depression symptoms, such as frequent crying.

4. Physical injury

When one is physically hurt and in pain, crying is a natural response. Physical injury can signal that you’re in distress and need another person’s assistance. When you’re in physical pain, your body becomes stressed and released cortisol, which is a stress hormone in the body. Crying can release cortisol and help the body recover from the physical pain that you experienced.

5. Endorphin release

If you feel better after a good cry, this may be because of a release of endorphins, Endorphins are feel-good chemicals that can impact your physical and mental health. When you cry, your tears can also lower cortisol while releasing endorphins such as oxytocin and cortisol, which can help improve mood.

6. Express joy

Some people experience the sensation of joy provoking tears, commonly seen during positive life events. Crying doesn’t have to be reserved for times when you are in physical or emotional pain. Expressing tears when you are happy is also healthy.

7. Social connection

Crying can be a form of social bonding with others, expressing support and empathy toward other people. When others observe people crying, they often feel connected and may increase social connection.

8. Good for your eyes

Crying has many benefits for your eyes. Tears protect your eyes from dirt, debris, and irritants. Tears help lubricate your eyes and protect them from bacteria.