Why Do We Cry? Crying is a natural and universal human behavior that expresses a range of emotions and needs. It is also a complex phenomenon that involves various physiological and psychological processes. In this article, we will explore the science behind why we cry in different situations and what benefits it may have.
Have you ever wondered why humans cry? Crying is one of the most universal and unique expressions of emotion. We cry when we are happy, sad, angry, or moved. We cry when we watch a movie, listen to a song, or read a book. We cry when we say goodbye, when we feel pain, or when we empathize with others. But what is the purpose of crying? What are the benefits and drawbacks of shedding tears? And how do different cultures and genders view crying?
In this article, we will explore the science behind why we cry, and how crying affects our physical and mental health, our social relationships, and our self-image. We will also look at some of the myths and facts about crying, and how we can use crying as a tool for emotional regulation and communication.
Types of tears
Not all tears are the same. According to scientists, there are three main types of tears: basal, reflex, and emotional.
- Basal tears are the tears that constantly lubricate and protect our eyes from dust, bacteria, and other irritants. They are composed of water, salts, proteins, and lipids.
- Reflex tears are the tears that are triggered by external stimuli, such as onion fumes, smoke, or wind. They are similar to basal tears, but they contain more water to flush out the irritants.
- Emotional tears are the tears that are associated with feelings, such as joy, sadness, anger, or pain. They are different from basal and reflex tears, as they contain more hormones, such as prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and leucine-enkephalin. These hormones are involved in regulating stress, pain, and mood.
The benefits of crying
Crying can have various benefits for our physical and mental health, as well as our social relationships. Some of the benefits of crying are:
- Relieving pain and stress: Crying can release endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Crying can also lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can reduce the effects of stress.
- Removing toxins: Crying can help eliminate toxins and waste products from the body, such as cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Crying can also improve the immune system by fighting off infections and inflammation.
- Enhancing social bonding: Crying can signal our need for support and comfort from others, which can strengthen our social bonds and empathy. Crying can also elicit positive responses, such as hugs, words of encouragement, or acts of kindness, which can boost our self-esteem and happiness.
- Emotional intelligence: Crying can help us process and understand our emotions, which can improve our emotional intelligence and regulation. Crying can also help us cope with negative emotions, such as grief, anger, or frustration, and release them in a healthy way.
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Why Do We Cry? The drawbacks of crying
Crying can also have some negative effects, depending on the context and the frequency of crying. Some of the drawbacks of crying are:
- Dehydration: Crying can cause dehydration, especially if we cry for a long time or lose a lot of tears. Dehydration can lead to headaches, dry eyes, fatigue, and irritability.
- Social stigma: Crying can be seen as a sign of weakness, vulnerability, or manipulation, especially in some cultures or genders. Crying can also attract unwanted attention, criticism, or ridicule, which can damage our reputation or self-image.
- Emotional vulnerability: Crying can make us more susceptible to emotional manipulation, exploitation, or abuse, especially if we cry in front of people who do not have our best interests at heart. Crying can also trigger negative emotions, such as guilt, shame, or regret, which can worsen our mood or mental state.
The cultural and gender differences in crying
Different cultures and genders have different no
rms and expectations regarding crying, and these can affect the frequency, intensity, and reasons for crying. Some of the cultural and gender differences in crying are:
- Cultural differences: Crying is more accepted and encouraged in some cultures than others, depending on the values, beliefs, and traditions of each culture. For example, some cultures view crying as a cathartic and healing practice, while others view crying as a sign of weakness or dishonor. Some cultures also have specific rituals or occasions for crying, such as funerals, weddings, or festivals.
- Gender differences: Crying is more common and acceptable among women than men, due to biological, psychological, and social factors. For example, women have smaller tear ducts and higher levels of prolactin, which make them more prone to crying. Women also tend to be more expressive and empathetic than men, which make them more likely to cry in response to emotions or situations. Men, on the other hand, are often taught to suppress or hide their tears, due to the pressure of masculinity and social norms.
The myths and facts about crying
There are many myths and facts about crying, and some of them are:
- Myth: Crying makes you weak. Fact: Crying does not make you weak, but rather shows that you are human and have feelings. Crying can also be a sign of strength, as it shows that you are brave enough to face and express your emotions.
- Myth: Crying is good for your eyes. Fact: Crying is not necessarily good for your eyes, as it can cause dryness, irritation, or infection, especially if you rub or touch your eyes. However, crying can help remove foreign objects or dust from your eyes, as well as lubricate and protect them from damage.
- Myth: Crying is contagious. Fact: Crying can be contagious, as we tend to mimic the emotions and behaviors of others, especially those we are close to or empathize with. Crying can also trigger a mirror neuron response, which is a brain mechanism that allows us to feel what others feel.
- Myth: Crying is therapeutic. Fact: Crying can be therapeutic, but only if it is done in moderation and in a supportive environment. Crying can help us release and resolve our emotions, as well as gain insight and perspective on our problems. However, crying can also be harmful, if it is excessive, chronic, or unproductive, as it can interfere with our daily functioning and well-being.
The tips for using crying as a tool
Crying can be a useful tool for emotional regulation and communication, if we know how to use it effectively and appropriately. Some of the tips for using crying as a tool are:
- When to cry: Crying can be beneficial, if we cry when we feel overwhelmed, stressed, or hurt, and when we need to release or express our emotions. However, crying can be detrimental, if we cry too often, too long, or for no reason, and when we use it to avoid or escape our problems.
- How to cry: Crying can be healthy, if we cry in a way that is comfortable and natural for us, and if we respect our own and others’ boundaries. However, crying can be unhealthy, if we cry in a way that is forced or exaggerated, and if we violate our own or others’ privacy or consent.
- Who to cry with: Crying can be helpful, if we cry with people who are trustworthy, supportive, and empathetic, and who can offer us comfort, advice, or assistance. However, crying can be harmful, if we cry with people who are untrustworthy, unsupportive, or apathetic, and who can exploit, criticize, or mock us.
- What to do after crying: Crying can be productive, if we do something positive and constructive after crying, such as taking care of ourselves, seeking help, or taking action. However, crying can be unproductive, if we do nothing or something negative and destructive after crying, such as isolating ourselves, blaming ourselves, or giving up.
Conclusion
Crying is a complex and fascinating phenomenon that has various effects on our body, mind, and soul. Crying can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how, why, when, and with whom we cry. Crying can also be influenced by our culture, gender, and personality. Crying is a part of being human, and we should not be ashamed or afraid of it, but rather embrace it and use it wisely. Crying can be a powerful and healing tool, if we know how to use it for our own and others’ good.
SOURCES:
- Why Do We Cry? The Science of Crying | TIME
- Why we cry – American Psychological Association (APA)
- Why do humans cry? – BBC Science Focus Magazine
- Why do we cry – and what can we learn from our tears?
- Why do we cry? The science of tears – The Independent