It’s reasonable to say that 2020 provided us with more than enough reasons to cry. Nonetheless, it appears that we were sobbing rather frequently even before last year. According to studies, American women cry 3.5 times per month on average, whereas American males cry 1.9 times per month.
These findings may surprise some of us, especially because sobbing — especially by men — has long been viewed as a sign of weakness and lack of emotional strength in our society. Crying is beneficial to those who have been keeping their feelings within for a long period. Inspirational crying quotes about life are there for you to read and use.
Crying has health benefits
Crying is a natural human reaction to a wide range of emotions, from deep sadness and loss to intense ecstasy and joy, as a phenomenon that is unique to humans. Is it, nevertheless, beneficial to your health to cry? Yes, it is. Crying’s health advantages have been known since the Classical era. Tears, according to ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and medics, act as a purgative, draining and purifying us. Today’s psychology theory mainly agrees, highlighting the function of crying as a stress and emotional pain release mechanism.
Crying is a necessary safety valve, owing to the fact that holding uncomfortable feelings inside — what psychologists refer to as repressive coping — can be harmful to our health. Learned helplessness, or the feeling that there is nothing you can do to alter your situation, may lead to the use of tears as a coping mechanism.
A therapist can help you explore the causes behind your tears and find healthier ways to express your needs and feelings if you find yourself crying frequently instead of employing more constructive techniques to communication and conflict resolution. Crying has also been proven to improve attachment behavior, promoting intimacy, empathy, and family support.
Tears aren’t all created equal.
The liquid product of sobbing is divided into three groups by scientists: reflex tears, continuous tears, and emotional tears. The first two categories are responsible for eliminating material from our eyes, such as smoke and dust, as well as lubricating them to protect them from infection. Water makes up 98 percent of its composition.
Defend yourself against the effects of chronic inflammation.
Chronic, low-grade inflammation has been demonstrated to be a silent killer, contributing to cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. From Harvard Medical School experts, learn how to fight inflammation and stay healthy.
Emotional tears (which drain stress hormones and other poisons out of our system) are the group with the biggest potential health advantages. Cry releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, commonly known as endorphins, according to studies. These feel-good molecules aid in the relief of both physical and emotional discomfort.
Popular culture, on the other hand, has long recognized the importance of a good weep as a means of feeling better — and perhaps even experiencing physical pleasure. Millions of individuals who have seen legendary tearjerker films like West Side Story or Titanic (among others) can attest to this.
Rethinking boys’ and men’s crying
I know a guy shouldn’t cry, according to a popular song lyric, yet I can’t stop crying. These remarks encapsulate many of a man’s struggles with emotional expressiveness. Boys are taught from an early age that real men do not cry.
These boys may stuff their feelings deep inside and withdraw emotionally from their loved ones as they grow older, or they may self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or they may even become suicidal. As a result, many men need to learn how to reconnect with their emotions.
In the 1990s, poet Robert Bly hosted men’s workshops in which he taught them how to reconnect with long-buried sentiments of melancholy and loss, as well as how to grieve openly if necessary. However, such instruction should ideally begin at a young age, either at home or at school, with adults providing a secure environment for males to express challenging emotions.
During COVID, I started crying.
COVID-19 has claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 people in the United States as of this writing. The communal anguish over these losses is nothing short of incredible. It’s no surprise, however, that our emotions are more exposed during times like these, and that many people who aren’t prone to sobbing find themselves crying more easily. Indeed, as one medical expert put it, expressing emotion in public may have become the normal way of life.
Keep a journal of your emotions. Keeping a journal not only allows you to connect with your feelings in the time, but it also allows you to practice describing them before sharing them with others.
When do tears become an issue?
Crying can be an indication of a problem at times, especially if it occurs frequently and/or for no apparent reason, or if it begins to interfere with everyday activities or becomes uncontrollable. People suffering from certain types of severe depression, on the other hand, may be unable to cry even when they want to. In any of these cases, it’s essential to seek the advice of a medical professional who can help diagnose the condition and recommend the best course of action.
Takeaways
It’s critical to allow yourself to cry if you need to. If you need to cry, make sure you take the time and locate a secure place to do so. Many people equate loss with melancholy, yet crying can actually be a sign of recovery. Teaching boys and young men that it’s alright to cry can help them live fuller lives and prevent poor health habits.
Most people require some form of support and companionship from others, and these ties are even more crucial when they are vulnerable. When you let others see your flaws, they may respond with compassion, kindness, and other forms of emotional support, all of which led to meaningful human connection. But if crying becomes overwhelming or uncontrollable, seek evaluation and treatment from a doctor or mental health professional.