Crying is an instinctive and involuntary act that many people try to repress for various reasons. Perhaps because the urge to let tears come comes at an inopportune moment, or perhaps because they associate them with a gesture of weakness and lack of self-control. Not in vain, since we were little we hear messages like “don't cry, you have to be brave”, “crying is for babies” or even sentences like “crying is for weak” or “for cowards”.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is that crying is an excellent release tool that brings us well-being and helps us deal with negative emotions. Psychiatrist and writer Jean Kim relates in an article published in Psychology Today that “emotional crying is a behavior largely unique to humans and could be considered a step forward in evolution, a consequence of a deeper connection with sadness and the duel".
Although the psychiatrist states that a bad reputation is often associated with negative connotations, “crying can be related to deep empathy, mutual connection and authentic feelings.” In the words of Jean Kim, we cry when we see others suffering, when we need to release repressed sadness; Crying provides us with catharsis and an opening to heal and overcome trauma. Specifically, the psychiatrist lists three circumstances in which crying is especially beneficial.
Crying can come to us at moments when we feel empathy for the suffering of another person, whether it is a loved one or a scene from a book or movie. In these cases, “crying is an extremely positive sign of a person's underlying humanity and their ability to connect with the needs of others,” explains the psychiatrist. “It also shows a willingness to be vulnerable, and if it is done in front of others, even more so,” she adds.
They can be under a lot of stress and pressure and, in these situations, “a crying episode is a cathartic moment and a release for the accumulation of various unaddressed stressors,” says Dr. Kim, while insisting that “ “It is a healthier way to cope than turning to something darker, like violence, anger or self-harm.”
It may happen that the crying episode occurs unexpectedly, but there is always some trigger that precedes it. These are valuable data for people with trauma or unresolved conflicts. “Crying at these times can be a valuable clue that you have buried some pain that can be resolved by talking to a therapist or another trusted and understanding person. Reflecting on what makes you cry can trigger internal growth and self-awareness,” describes the psychiatrist.
