Crying is one of the most intimate and universal forms of emotional expression. We cry when we are sad, when we are happy, when we experience fear or loss. But why has the human body chosen tears as a way to respond to such different emotions? This article will reveal the biological, psychological, and social reasons for crying, as well as explore its functions in the context of evolution and modern life. As noted by the editorial team of Baltimore Chronicle, understanding the mechanisms of crying can help better comprehend one’s emotions and empathize more deeply with others.
What Crying Is and What Types Exist
Crying is a complex physiological and psychological reaction of the body to emotional or physical stimuli. Scientists distinguish three main types of tears:
- Basal tears — constantly moisturize the eyes
- Reflex tears — occur in response to irritants (smoke, dust)
- Emotional tears — accompany strong feelings
Each of these types has a different composition and function. For example, emotional tears contain more stress hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone. That is why after crying we often feel relief. Crying also involves muscle contractions, breathing changes, facial expressions, and vocalizations, which vary depending on age and cultural specifics.
How the Brain and Hormones Control the Crying Process
Crying results from the interaction of several systems in the body — the brain, nervous system, and endocrine system. The main participants in this process are:
- The limbic system — responsible for emotions
- The hypothalamus — regulates hormonal responses
- The pituitary gland — releases stress hormones
- The lacrimal gland — produces tears
After an emotional stimulus, a signal is sent to the hypothalamus, which activates the release of cortisol or oxytocin — depending on the situation’s context. For example, oxytocin, known as the “cuddle hormone,” often causes tears during joy or touching moments.
Crying and Dopamine: How the Brain Reacts to Relief
When we cry due to emotional release, the brain responds by releasing dopamine — a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. That is why after a good cry, we often feel better.
Tears and Serotonin: Does Crying Really Reduce Depression?
Some studies show that crying helps normalize serotonin levels — the hormone that regulates mood. However, the effect depends on context: whether the person feels supported while crying or cries alone in a depressive state.
Psychological Reasons for Crying: From Stress to Joy
Psychologists believe crying is an evolutionarily established mechanism that performs several functions:
- Release of tension — relief of internal conflict or stress
- Social signal — attracting attention or seeking support
- Self-regulation — reducing the intensity of emotions
- Expression of joy — strong positive emotions also trigger tears
Crying as a Tool for Social Communication
In many cultures, crying is a way to evoke empathy in others. This is especially evident in children who have not yet developed language skills. Adults may use crying as a subconscious tool to attract empathy.
Why We Cry at Movies and Music
Research shows that music and art can activate the same brain areas as real-life experiences. We cry during touching scenes because our brain does not distinguish a fictional story from reality — it reacts emotionally.
The Evolutionary Origin of Tears: Why They Appeared
From an evolutionary perspective, tears have adaptive significance:
| Function of Tears | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Protective function | Moisturizing eyes, protecting against infections |
| Social signaling | Crying indicates weakness, stimulating help from others |
| Communicative function | Conveys emotional state without words |
| Psychological discharge | Crying helps cope with excessive emotions |
Interestingly, only humans can produce emotional tears — no other animal species displays similar behavior. This indicates the importance of the social aspect of human development.
Is There a Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Tears?
Many believe women cry more often than men. Statistics do confirm this:
- Women cry on average 30–50 times a year
- Men cry about 5–10 times a year
This is explained by both biological and sociocultural factors. Testosterone may reduce emotional expression, and social norms discourage men from showing “weakness.” However, modern psychology recognizes that emotional expression is necessary for everyone regardless of gender.
When Crying Becomes a Problem: Pathological Crying
Although crying is usually a healthy way to express emotions, sometimes it can be a symptom of a mental or neurological disorder:
- Depression or anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Pseudobulbar affect (uncontrollable crying)
- Autism or alexithymia (difficulty recognizing emotions)
In such cases, consultation with a psychotherapist or neurologist is necessary, especially if crying becomes frequent, uncontrollable, or accompanied by other symptoms.
How to Help Yourself or Another Person During Emotional Crying
Crying often occurs during moments of vulnerability. Therefore, it is important to know how to act:
What to Do If You Are Crying:
- Allow yourself to feel your emotions
- Find a safe place
- Use breathing exercises
- Write down your feelings
- Seek support from a friend or psychologist
How to Support Someone Who Is Crying:
- Do not force them to “calm down”
- Offer presence and silent support
- Avoid judgment or advice like “everything will be fine”
- Give them a chance to express themselves
- Ask: “How can I help you right now?”
Why It’s Worth Allowing Yourself to Cry
Crying is not a weakness but a natural, healthy, and deeply human reaction. It helps regulate emotions, fosters social connection, and even supports physical health. In today’s world, where we often suppress emotions, allowing ourselves to cry is an act of self-care. Understanding the causes and mechanisms of crying allows better management of our emotions and building deeper relationships with others.
Earlier we wrote about why you feel dizzy.