Emotional Release from Tears in Depression: Does It Help?
Depression can be a complex and challenging condition, affecting people in various ways. One of the less obvious symptoms is changes in crying patterns.
In more severe cases of depression, people may not cry at all. However, crying can provide soothing effects and release endorphins, chemicals that help to reduce stress and improve mood. Modern theories centre on tears as instruments of social bonding and human connection, suggesting that crying may facilitate social bonding and reduce interpersonal aggression.
However, it's important to note that crying can be a symptom of depression for some people. Crying for no apparent reason can present as crying daily, crying more often than typical, and having trouble stopping crying. This can occur as part of depression, but it may not necessarily improve well-being due to emotional blockades and deficits in brain regions that regulate emotion.
Depression symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiousness, helplessness, or emptiness, irritability, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, loss of interest in hobbies and activities that normally bring pleasure, fatigue or decreased energy, feeling restless or difficulty sitting still, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, or waking up and oversleeping, appetite and/or weight changes, physical aches and pains without a clear cause, thoughts of suicide, and body aches.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, seek support from the 988 Lifeline (United States), Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), or Befrienders Worldwide (find a helpline in your country). If you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. If you're not in the United States, find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide. If you feel safe to do so, call 911 or your local emergency services number.
Crying may result in a chemical reset in the body, decreasing cortisol levels and increasing oxytocin and endorphins. Expressing emotional crying can provide a physical feeling of satisfaction or relief. Crying may also improve mood due to emotional release and reduced feelings of stress.
It may help to talk with a mental health professional if you're experiencing more symptoms of depression. They can provide guidance, support, and treatment options to help manage and overcome depression. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
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