Crying is a great way to release frustration, anxiety, or stress. There is absolutely nothing wrong with letting your frustrations out once in a while. Although it can be harmful, it can be beneficial. You can have a box of tissues and be ready to go, but you can cry. The key to allowing yourself to call during these times is to find a way to make yourself cry.
Dr. Olga Karasina, PsyD, says crying can help you release stress and move through the stress cycle. The ability to cry can also enable us to release emotions that we have bottled up and are now taking up space and affecting us without any release.
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Why do some people have trouble crying? Shedding tears can be difficult when patients have medical conditions like Sjögren’s and dry eye syndrome. Some medications, like antidepressants, antihistamines, and birth control medicines, can do the same. The urge to cry may seem counterintuitive to people with depression, but they may lack the energy.
Check out these expert tips if you can’t seem to get the release to happen.
Avoid Blinking
You can make yourself cry by not blinking. Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW of Choosing Therapy, states: “Blinking produces moisture and prevents debris from collecting and causing infection.” Stare at a blank wall for at least 20 to 30 seconds.
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A Sad Story To Read
You can also bring on tears when you read something sad, similar to when you listen to music. Suarez-Angelino said, “Some book titles are notorious for having people repeatedly cry time and time again, regardless of the number of times they have read them.” If you need more practice, you should try this method monthly or weekly.
Reach Out To Someone
When you have trouble getting in touch with your emotions, Karasina recommends opening up to someone you trust. Even group therapy or an online support group may offer another safe and supportive space to cry surrounded by people who can hold space for and support you.