Why its good to cry

When these boys grow up, they may stuff their feelings deep inside and withdraw emotionally from their loved ones, or self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or even become suicidal. Many men therefore need to learn the skills of how to reconnect with their emotions. Ideally, however, such education should begin early on, at home or at school, with adults making it safe for boys to talk about difficult feelings. The collective grief over these losses can only be described as staggering.

It is no surprise, then, that at times like these our feelings are closer to the surface, and that many people who were not previously prone to crying find themselves tearing up more easily. In fact, as one medical professional put it, showing emotion in public may have become a new normal.

Conversely, people suffering from certain kinds of clinical depression may actually not be able to cry, even when they feel like it. In any of these situations, it would be best to see a medical professional who can help diagnose the problem and suggest appropriate treatment.

As challenging as it may be, the best way to handle difficult feelings, including sadness and grief, is to embrace them. It is important to allow yourself to cry if you feel like it. Make sure to take the time and find a safe space to cry if you need to. Many people associate crying during grief with depression, when it can actually be a sign of healing. If crying becomes overwhelming or uncontrollable, see a doctor or mental health professional for evaluation and treatment. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. I have seen a few men cry tho not a lot in my life. I find that for myself personally when a man cries in front of me, I see strength and vulnerability in it. Call Grab that spoon and dig in to some refreshing reasons why crying is fantastic.

Related: 4 Healthy Reasons to Hug More Your eyes will be healthier Tears help keep your eyes lubricated and free from debris so your vision is clearer. Jennifer is committed to health, but has an unhealthy fascination with outrageous shoes. Related Articles. In the Community Getting Kids Active Starts Online SelectHealth has a new school-based physical activity initiative that equips teachers with turnkey lesson plans for PE and provides students with a motivational online experience.

Important Links Notices. Other Links. Contact Us. Disclaimer SelectHealth may link to other websites for your convenience. You probably felt a little better. So why do we think about crying as something we should hide and be ashamed of? We used to cry all the time when we were kids, but at some point in our lives, we start to think we should hold those tears in and that somehow makes us stronger.

Little by little, we start to restrict our emotions and keep more things bottled up inside. It helps us become emotionally and mentally healthy people. And the good news is, science agrees. Caregiving Topics Mental Health Articles. Send To:. Your E-Mail:. Your Name:. Your Last Name:. Send Email Cancel. While society often callously considers shedding tears to be a sign of weakness, it is a cathartic experience and highly evolved behavior. Mental Health. Read 37 Comments. Related Articles.

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