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30
Dec

The healing power of crying

Contrary to common beliefs, crying is a natural response to a wide range of emotions, including sadness and joy. Tears related to emotions are called ‘emotional tears’. They reduce the stress levels in the body and enable the person who is crying to release stress and negativity. This is why crying acts as a kind of ‘non-verbal’ therapy. 

When I work with my private clients, who generally are ashamed or feel uncomfortable when they cry, I call crying a ‘non-talking cure’ in opposition to ‘talking cure’. ‘Talking cure’ was invented by Sigmund Freud. Many modern therapies have as foundation the Freudian ‘talking cure’ where patients talk about their problems and issues in order to obtain recovery and emotional release. Crying is another therapeutic way to obtain emotional release. However, it doesn’t replace therapy. 

What are the therapeutic benefits of crying?

Research has demonstrated that emotional tears release oxytocin and endorphins. These two chemicals enhance people’s mood and promote wellbeing. They can also decrease both physical and emotional pain. This is called ‘physical detoxification’. Endorphins are also called ‘feel good’ hormones and are natural pain-killers. 

When a person cries in response to stress or negative and traumatic situations, their tears contain a range of stress hormones. Crying reduces the levels of these chemicals in the body as they are excreted from the body through crying, which in turn reduces stress. 

As crying has a calming, pain-relieving and mood-enhancing impact on the body, people fall asleep more easily. Here crying acts as a kind of relaxation. 

Many of my private clients often say: ‘I am sorry, please excuse me. I am crying. Maybe I am weaker than I think’. This misbelief comes from our culture and parenting styles where powerful men for example are those who don’t cry. In addition, children rarely see their parents cry, so they learn from the outset that adults don’t cry. This is why they feel ashamed and uncomfortable when they cry. They qualify this act as abnormal and inappropriate. The truth is that crying is not linked to power. Crying doesn’t mean that the person is weak or not strong enough. Crying is a physiological process that enables the body to detoxify itself and to obtain emotional release.

I often say to my patients that it’s healthy to cry. In contrary, it’s unhealthy when people isolate themselves and keep their problems unresolved. 

However, if crying happens frequently or for no reason, it might be a sign of depression of other psychological problem. In this case, you should look for external professional help. If you wish to learn more about depression, click here.

If you are currently experiencing difficulties, you need to know that you are not alone. Do not hesitate to contact me on info@angelpsychology.com or on my social networks. I will be glad to chat with you. 

Please note that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy will help you acquire the knowledge and reflection you need. Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy here and about CBT here. Don't forget that you can work with me at home. Learn more about online psychotherapy here

With warm wishes,
Dr Ivanka Ezhova

Founder of Angel Psychological Therapy - Online Psychological Therapy