Relationships Matter – Crying

I have come across two phrases that sum up this article:

• “Crying Out The Crap” – popped in to my head randomly
• “Crying Away The Stress” from this student paper – Tearful Serenity: Crying Away the Stress

There appears to be scientific evidence (Why It’s Healthy to Cry!) that emotional tears (when compared with reflex or continuous tears such as allergy, wind, onion, wince or cleaning, protecting etc) actually carry away the internally produced chemicals responsible for anger, grief, depression, anxiety etc. Given that, I think that we are unfortunate as kids to be exhorted to “Stop crying…”:

“…otherwise I will give you something to cry about”

OR

“…you little cry baby”

OR

“…you pathetic little creature”

This scaring and humiliation results in us feeling incredibly embarrassed about a bodily function that is as essential as going to the toilet.

I think that it’s a real shame because we all feel so much better after a good cry. I cry whenever I need to and heartily recommend it. My view is that crying emotional tears is a very good thing for us. Ideally with someone we trust or privately, alone, in a comfortable, quiet place where we are unlikely to be interrupted.

Stay strong and serene.