Moreover, according to GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor at PsychPoint, crying can help relieve muscle tension and communicate the need for support or personal space to others. “Crying is a natural behavior for people, and there can be different reasons why a person may cry more than others,” Guarino tells mbg. “Some people are more sensitive and empathic than others, which can make them more inclined to cry. The ability to relate to their emotions and the emotions of others may make a person more likely to shed a tear than the people around them.” Corrie Fentress, LMFT, a licensed therapist at Connections Wellness Group, adds that if an individual wasn’t able to develop emotional regulation as a child, they can be more susceptible to crying when overwhelmed with strong emotions. “Some people may cry more than others because they are at their emotional breaking point,” she also tells mbg. Both experts cite mental health concerns, like anxiousness, trauma, and more, as reasons for crying as well. “When people experience chronic stress, anxiety, or depression, they become less tolerant to managing external stressors and more susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by their emotions,” says Fentress. This can lead to emotional or environmental triggers that overwhelm the nervous system and lead to crying. “If your crying spell begins to feel uncomfortable or you experience pain or panic, then the stress you are feeling may be bubbling over and causing the cry to be unhelpful and stressful,” says Guarino. “Listen to what your body is telling you.” When we cry, it is not only our eyes that are reacting. Our gut, heart rate, breathing, and face muscles all respond as well. “If your gut begins to churn, your heart rate rises, or your breathing becomes labored, then you may be too overwhelmed to continue to let your cry out,” Guarino suggests. “Changing the environment can help with distracting your brain enough to quiet the overwhelming feelings you are having,” Guarino says. Once you’re in a safe space, you can gently place one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart and try softly repeating the affirmation “I am safe now.” “To complete a 10-second breath, breathe in for 10 seconds, hold for three seconds, and breathe out for 10 seconds,” Guarino explains. “Repeat this exercise until you feel your emotions calm and your body relax.” She explains the acronym and how to do it yourself: And, if you have access, a therapist can help to facilitate the safe space and controlled environment that allows for expression of emotions without judgment. “A therapist also possesses the skills to teach the client how to de-escalate from overwhelming emotions by engaging the client in practice of coping strategies that calm down the nervous system,” Fentress says. Working with a mental health professional can also help with learning coping skills to manage crying behaviors. “And more importantly,” Guarino adds, “they can help you find the source of the intense reactions you feel. They can help you learn skills to create emotional reactions that are appropriate for the situation and find the core of your triggers to teach you how to make peace with them and eventually manage them in a healthier way.” Fortunately, there are many methods and resources for mental health support. And if you’re really struggling, reach out to a professional as soon as you can—you’re not alone, and you’ve got this.
