According to scientists, humans are the only creature that experiences emotional tears. Evidence reveals that other animals have emotions, and many of them can cry. Those tears, however, do not appear to be caused by emotions. They are merely a component of the physiological process of eye lubrication. So, if sobbing emotionally is unique to humans, why do we do it? Is crying for mental health just a coincidence of evolution, or does it have significant benefits?
While most study verifies the physical health benefits of tears, such as keeping our eyes lubricated and removing harmful bacteria, a growing amount of studies on human emotional crying is beginning to suggest that it is just as vital for our mental health. Here are a few advantages of crying that science has discovered thus far.
Decreases Stress Hormones
According to research, crying may help reduce stress by actively eliminating cortisol, a stress hormone, from the body. In addition to suppressing cortisol through tears, crying may reduce cortisol production and other stress-related hormones and chemicals in the body. The combination processes can help reduce your overall sense of stress.
Release Hormones That Improve Your Mood
Emotional sobbing appears to induce the creation of mood-boosting hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins, in addition to reducing stress hormones via secreting them through tears. Oxytocin makes us feel good and relaxed while also helping us feel closer to others. Endorphins, on the other hand, enhance your sense of well-being while also increasing self-esteem and relieving tension and worry.
Physical and Emotrional Pain Relief
According to some studies, emotional sobbing, particularly more severe crying, might cause the release of opioids in the body. While opioids are well known for their ability to relieve physical pain, they also act as emotional regulators, reducing emotional distress.
Indicate the Need for Others’ Empathy and Comfort
Crying also provides a vital social role. While you may not have the words to express your need for assistance or consolation, seeing the emotions on your face is frequently enough for others to understand. If you’ve seen someone crying and had the intuitive impulse to hug or help them, you know the power of tears.
That social function is also essential for your mental health because obtaining empathy and assistance from others can make you feel less alienated and as if you don’t have to bear this emotional burden alone. So, because humans are social animals, knowing that we are not alone is critical to our mental health.
Reduce the Temperature of Your Brain
Your brain, much like the rest of your body, may get overheated, and studies suggest that even minor increases in brain temperature can have a detrimental effect on your mood. Meanwhile, crying, particularly intense sobbing, increases blood flow to the brain and encourages you to breathe more deeply. That increased blood flow and airflow from breathing helps lower your brain temperature, which can boost mood and provide a sense of comfort.
Improve Your Sleep
Another advantage of crying for mental health is that it might help you sleep. The parasympathetic nervous system is activated when you cry. The PNS is in charge of restoring your body’s equilibrium after a stressful event. The act of transitioning from a state of stress to a state of homeostasis makes you feel relaxed, peaceful, and ready to rest, all of which can make falling asleep simpler.
Furthermore, excessive crying consumes a lot of energy, leaving you exhausted at the end of a long crying session. You may feel exhausted enough to fall asleep fast in some circumstances. Crying’s various stress-relieving, soothing effects may also help you fall asleep more quickly. A good night’s sleep is critical for your mental wellness. Not only does sleep deprivation increase stress and psychosis, but it can also enhance symptoms of sadness, anxiety, and overall psychological well-being.
Crying May not Alleviate Depression
Despite the good effects that crying can have on a person’s mood, some studies suggest that depression may be associated with a reduced ability to cry. Patients with depression, in particular, appear to cry more frequently overall, but they also report less mood recovery than persons without depression. Furthermore, people suffering from anhedonic depression (the inability to perceive pleasure) may find it difficult to cry, implying that this vital self-soothing habit is unavailable.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
Even though you’re an adult today, there’s still space in your life for a good cry now and then. Let’s face it: the last several years have been intense. You may have cried more this time than in the past. That is perfectly normal, and there is no guilt in it. Although puffy eyes and blotchy red cheeks may result, crying has several advantages.
