If youfind yourself crying more than usual, you may feel embarrassed, which may even prompt more tears.

Is Stopping Crying Even the Right Goal?

What is underlying your emotion?

Sad mid adult man in the kitchen at home

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Oftentimes, people report feeling relieved when they are able to cry without judgment in a safe space.

Crying can even havebenefits for your mental health.

One study found that distraction was be a more effective approach than focusing on not crying.

Reframing one’s perspective and reassessing the emotional stimulus were the most effective strategies.

Practically speaking, it can help to distract yourself.

You could watch or read something that is unlikely to evoke any sadness.

You might listen to a really happy song to boost your mood.

Physical Approach

Another approach can be physical.

This can have a very calming effect.

Low mood was a common underlying factor.

In this way, the benefits of crying may depend on how the individual interprets that experience.

Stigma surrounding crying perpetuates a cycle wherein a person shamed for crying may continue to shame others for crying.

But remember, there is nothing shameful about it.

However, it’s true that some spaces are safer for crying than others.

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