Why Crying Is Healthy
by Cameron Carr
In our society, there’s a lot of stigma surrounding emotions — especially crying. It’s often seen as a sign of weakness, a character flaw, or something that should be hidden away. Crying is labeled as feminine, dramatic, or a loss of control. But science tells a different story.
There are three types of tears:
Basal tears, which keep the eyes lubricated and nourish the cornea.
Reflexive tears, which protect the eyes from irritants like dust or smoke.
Emotional tears, which are triggered by feelings—and that’s where things get interesting.
Tears as a Pressure Release Valve
Our emotions are closely tied to chemical changes in the body. When we experience strong emotions, our bodies produce a rush of related hormones and neurotransmitters. The body is always working to stabilize itself, so when it feels the build up of hormones, it needs a way to release that excess—and crying is one of the most effective ways to do it. Think of your body like a water heater: when pressure builds up too high, it needs a release valve to prevent damage. Crying is that release valve. Holding it in can “crack the tank,” leading to emotional and even physical harm.
Beyond that, crying also triggers the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which are the chemicals that help soothe pain and promote a sense of well-being.
Suppressing emotions has been linked to a range of health issues, including weakened immunity, cardiovascular problems, hypertension, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. On the other hand, letting yourself cry can foster connection, empathy, and emotional bonding with others—contributing to both individual and community well-being.
Crying is a natural biological process that supports emotional regulation, mental clarity, and overall health.
It’s normal, human, and healing. So let it out!
Crying is normal. Let it out!
If you need help letting yourself cry, you might benefit from working with one of our therapists.