Is Crying Good for Your Mental Health?
If you’ve ever had a good cry and somehow felt… better afterward, you’re not imagining things. Crying can actually be a powerful emotional release, and for many people, it’s one of the most natural ways to process intense feelings like sadness, grief, anger—or even joy.
While society often shames or sidelines tears, especially in men, the truth is that crying is one of the oldest and most human ways we cope. And yes—science is on your side if you’ve ever felt better after a weepy moment.
What Happens in Your Body When You Cry?
Not all tears are the same. In fact, researchers classify them into three main types:
Reflex tears – The kind your eyes produce to flush out irritants like dust or smoke.
Basal (continuous) tears – These keep your eyes moist and protected.
Emotional tears – The kind that come when you’re overwhelmed, sad, or deeply moved.
It’s those emotional tears that may offer the biggest mental health benefits. When we cry emotionally, we release stress hormones and boost feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins. That’s one reason why you might feel lighter or calmer after crying.
Crying Helps Us Connect, Too
There’s a social aspect to crying we don’t talk about enough. When you cry in front of someone you trust, it often invites closeness. It signals that you’re being real and vulnerable—which can deepen emotional bonds and create space for comfort and empathy.
This emotional expression helps counter something therapists often call repressive coping—that tendency to bottle everything up. When we constantly push our feelings down, it can lead to issues like anxiety, chronic stress, or even physical illness.
Letting the tears come when you need to isn’t weakness—it’s regulation. It’s how we move feelings through us instead of letting them build up.
Crying and Gender: Why Boys Need Permission, Too
From a young age, many boys are told to “toughen up” or “man up”—as if tears make them fragile. But suppressing emotions doesn’t make anyone stronger. Instead, it can teach boys (and the men they become) to disconnect from their inner world, struggle with emotional intimacy, or seek coping mechanisms that numb rather than heal.
Teaching kids—especially boys—that crying is natural and human might be one of the best gifts we can offer the next generation. It creates room for emotional literacy, empathy, and healthier relationships later in life.
What About During a Crisis?
Grief, fear, and uncertainty have been front and center in recent years—whether from global events, personal loss, or ongoing mental strain. Many people have found themselves crying more than usual, sometimes in public or during moments that catch them off guard.
That’s normal. In fact, it might be your body’s way of letting go, especially when you’re overwhelmed. You don’t have to justify it. Emotional waves come and go—and crying can be one of the ways we ride them out.
When Crying Might Be a Sign of Something Deeper
While crying is a healthy release for many, it’s worth paying attention to a few red flags:
Crying very frequently without clear reasons
Feeling unable to stop crying once it starts
Feeling emotionally numb and unable to cry even when sad
Crying that interferes with daily life or relationships
If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to reach out for support. Crying can be part of healing—but when it becomes overwhelming or feels stuck, a therapist can help you explore what’s going on underneath.
Final Thoughts: Let the Tears Flow (When You Need To)
Crying isn’t a weakness. It’s not something to feel ashamed of. It’s one of the ways our nervous systems recalibrate—and one of the ways our hearts make room for healing.
Whether you’re crying quietly alone or reaching for tissues in a therapy session, those tears are telling a story. They say: I’m feeling something deeply. They say: I care. And often, they say: I’m ready to move through this.
So go ahead—give yourself permission to feel.
If emotions feel too big to carry alone, therapy can help. I offer compassionate, down-to-earth sessions for individuals and couples across Texas. You don’t have to hold it all in. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today—and let’s talk.