Crying is often seen as a sign of weakness or emotional instability, but in reality, it’s a powerful tool for emotional and physical well-being. Tears, whether they come from joy, sadness, or frustration, play a vital role in our health. Understanding the science behind crying and learning how to support our emotions naturally can help us embrace our tears as a healthy and necessary part of life.
THE SCIENCE OF TEARS
There are three types of tears: basal, reflex, and emotional.
- Basal Tears are the ones that keep your eyes lubricated and free from dust. They’re always present, working behind the scenes to maintain the health of your eyes.
- Reflex Tears are produced in response to irritants like smoke, wind, or even the chopping of onions. These tears help to flush out harmful substances and protect the eyes from potential damage.
- Emotional Tears are the ones that flow when you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, or even extremely happy. These tears are particularly interesting because they contain more stress hormones and toxins than basal or reflex tears. Emotional tears are the body’s way of releasing built-up stress and toxins, making them a key part of emotional detoxification.
I used to be a great crier! What I mean is I could get choked up at a commercial, overly sentimental about minor life events, and of course, let out an ugly cry when things went askew in my life. Then like a light switch, when my husband underwent all his medical challenges that ultimately led to him having an amputation of his leg the water works stopped. I learned that in extremely stressful situations, some people find themselves unable to cry, even when they might expect to. This phenomenon can be explained by understanding how the body and mind respond to acute stress, particularly through the activation of the body's fight-or-flight response.
The Role of the AmygdalaThe amygdala, a small structure in the brain's limbic system, plays a key role in emotional processing and the initiation of the stress response. In highly stressful situations, the amygdala becomes hyperactive, sending signals that override other parts of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thought and emotional regulation. As a result, the ability to process emotions fully—including the ability to cry—can be impaired.
Emotional Numbness & Dissociation
In some cases, extreme stress can lead to emotional numbness or dissociation, where a person feels detached from their emotions or surroundings. This is another survival mechanism, allowing individuals to cope with overwhelming situations by temporarily shutting down emotional responses. When this happens, the capacity to cry is often diminished or completely absent because the brain is essentially "numbing" the person to protect them from the full impact of the trauma or stress.
Hormonal Imbalance & Crying
The body's hormonal response to stress can also impact the ability to cry. High levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, can disrupt normal emotional functioning. Prolonged or intense stress can lead to an imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation. This hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalance can make it difficult to access the emotions necessary for crying, even when a person feels the need to cry.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors also play a significant role. In moments of extreme stress, individuals might unconsciously suppress their emotions, including the urge to cry, as a way to maintain control over the situation. Social conditioning or past experiences might have taught them that crying is a sign of weakness or that they need to stay strong in difficult times, leading to an inability to cry even when it's needed most.
What’s been strange is that we’re approaching 8 years since my husbands’ amputation and my ability to cry just started resurfacing a few months ago. My attention is now set on a new, overwhelming set of emotions – my only child is a high school senior and the conversations about college and him leaving our home have my brain and emotions all twisted.
HOW CRYING BENEFITS YOUR HEALTH
Stress Relief: Crying is a natural way to reduce stress. When you cry, your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that can help elevate your mood. Emotional tears also release stress hormones like cortisol, helping to reduce the overall level of stress in your body.
Detoxification: Emotional tears carry toxins out of your body. This process is part of the body's natural detoxification system. By crying, you’re not just releasing emotions; you’re also purging harmful substances that could contribute to illness if left unchecked.
Emotional Balance: Crying helps to regulate emotions. Holding back tears can lead to emotional numbness or even an inability to process emotions effectively. Allowing yourself to cry helps you to stay emotionally balanced and in tune with your feelings.
Improved Mood: Crying can improve your mood. After a good cry, many people report feeling a sense of relief or even euphoria. This mood boost is likely due to the release of stress and the production of endorphins, which create a natural high.
Better Sleep: Crying can lead to better sleep, especially if you’ve been bottling up emotions. The release of tension and stress can make it easier to relax and drift off into a more restful sleep.
NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO SUPPORT EMOTIONAL HEALTH
While crying is a natural and healthy response to emotions, there are ways to support your emotional health holistically to ensure you’re processing and expressing your feelings in a healthy manner.
Essential Oils: Aromatherapy can be incredibly soothing during emotional distress. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing an aroma. It comes down to your personal preference. That said, here are some broad suggestions: citrus essential oils like Wild Orange, Lemon or Bergamot are very uplifting. Oil blends like doTERRA Adaptiv® Calming Blend, Balance Grounding Blend or Serenity Restful Blend were scientifically formulated to support us through some of our most common issues. And essential oils like Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Frankincense are known for their calming properties. Diffusing these oils or applying them to your pulse points can help you relax and support your emotional well-being.
Herbal Teas: Herbal teas can provide comfort and help regulate emotions. Chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower are excellent choices for calming the nerves and promoting relaxation. Drinking a warm cup of herbal tea can be a simple yet effective way to nurture your emotional health.
Journaling/Mood Tracking: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful way to process emotions. Journaling allows you to express what you’re going through without judgment, which can be especially helpful if you find it difficult to talk about your feelings. Tracking your mood from day to day, rating it on a scale of 1-10 and then including a brief note as to why you’re feeling that way can be very insightful. Both of these practices can also help you identify patterns in your emotions and triggers for crying, making it easier to manage your emotional health.
Prayer: Prayer can be a deeply comforting practice that provides emotional support and clarity. Whether through spoken words, silent meditation, or a heartfelt conversation with God, prayer offers a space to release worries, seek guidance, and find peace. It can be a powerful way to process emotions and cultivate a sense of inner strength and resilience.
Mindfulness & Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and connected to your emotions. These practices encourage you to observe your feelings without judgment, which can reduce the tendency to suppress emotions. Over time, mindfulness and meditation can help you become more comfortable with your emotional experiences, including crying.
Physical Activity: Exercise is a fantastic way to manage stress and support emotional health. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and help you feel more grounded. Whether it’s a brisk walk, stretching, or dancing, moving your body can be an effective way to process and release emotions.
Connecting with Others: Sometimes, the best way to support your emotions is to share them with someone you trust. Talking to a friend, family member, or therapist can provide emotional relief and help you gain perspective on what you’re going through. Connection is a fundamental human need, and sharing your emotions can deepen your relationships and provide much-needed support.
EMBRACE YOUR TEARS
To reiterate, crying is not a sign of weakness; it’s a natural and healthy response to the ups and downs of life. By allowing yourself to cry, you’re giving your body and mind a chance to heal, detoxify, and regain balance. Coupled with natural solutions like aromatherapy, prayer, and physical activity, you can support your emotional health in a holistic way. So, the next time you feel the urge to cry, let the tears flow and embrace the healing power they bring.
xoDanette