In recent years, the importance of mental health in people’s daily lives has intensified. Consequently, situations that were previously less discussed, such as crying, are now analyzed, and even positive conclusions are drawn from them. Psychology expert Silvia Severino points out that crying helps process complex emotions and release accumulated stress. “It’s a sign of healthy emotional regulation.” And crying doesn’t only express sadness or joy.
Crying becomes a manifestation of strength, self-awareness, and emotional regulation
Neuroscience studies confirm that crying activates the limbic system, releases hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, and helps the body regain balance after stressful moments. Therefore, crying becomes a manifestation of strength, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. It is one of the most powerful and universal human responses. It arises in the face of physical pain, the intensity of an emotion, or even the memory of a sensitive moment, and functions as a nonverbal language that reveals what sometimes cannot be expressed in words.
According to author Lourdes De La Puente, the differences between human reactions and those of other animals are evident, as science still debates the existence of genuine crying in other species. Psychologist Silvia Severino also emphasizes on social media the idea that those who cry over small things are not weak, but quite the opposite. “Crying is not weakness; it is psychological strength,” she states. This is despite the fact that historically, civilizations such as the Mesopotamian and Greek attributed the origin of crying to the heart.
Research confirms that the origin of emotions, including crying, lies in the brain
Crying, therefore, is a natural bodily response to intense emotions such as sadness, joy, relief, or even frustration. According to the work of Paul McLean, an American neuroscientist, it was possible to establish a relationship between the limbic system and the management of emotions. It is not an irrational or uncontrollable act, but a biological mechanism that helps release emotional tension. From the perspective of emotional intelligence, crying is a tool for self-regulation. Therefore, research confirms that the origin of emotions, including crying, lies in the brain, specifically in the limbic system.
Therefore, when a person cries, the nervous system begins to regulate itself, reducing stress and promoting a calmer state. In this sense, crying doesn’t destabilize, but rather restores balance. Thus, the link between emotions and the activity of the lacrimal system depends on the release of certain hormones. Oxytocin and endorphins are present in tears. Both are produced in the hypothalamus and reinforce its importance as the center of emotional control.
Tears can foster connection, empathy, and support
People who allow themselves to cry tend to have a greater capacity to identify, understand, and process their emotions in a healthy way. The phenomenon of crying, in addition to the limbic system, involves the action of two branches of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. On the other hand, constantly suppressing tears can generate accumulated stress, anxiety, or even psychosomatic problems. As Lourdes De La Puente explains, the autonomic nervous system functions continuously, regulating functions such as heart rate and participating in stress management.
Ultimately, the calming effect of crying lies in the release of neurotransmitters linked to well-being and affection. Furthermore, tears can foster connection, empathy, and support. When someone expresses vulnerability, they open the door to more authentic and meaningful relationships. Tears are a visible expression of hormonal action directed by the parasympathetic nervous system. Far from being a sign of incapacity, crying communicates trust and humanity, reminding us that we are not alone in our emotions. Thus, crying allows the body to regain balance after intense episodes of stress or emotion, thanks to the action of oxytocin and endorphins.