Am I Just Overly Sensitive? Understanding the Science of Frequent Tears

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As someone who deeply connects with others’ feelings, I embrace being an empath. Over the past year and a half, when emotions have run high, I’ve found myself spending quite a bit on tissues (and occasionally toilet paper). However, excessive crying is not just a random occurrence; there’s an intriguing science behind why some individuals cry more often than others.

An article on Medium explains that “Crying is a fundamental human experience. It allows us to show vulnerability while signaling our presence to the world. We cry not only to be heard but also to convey our understanding of others.” In essence, crying is a form of empathy. As we evolve from infancy, our tears transform from mere communication to a means of forging connections with those around us.

As I’ve matured, I’ve noticed a change in what prompts my tears. Following traumatic experiences, I struggled to cry, viewing it as a sign of weakness. I wasn’t about to let anyone, especially my abuser, perceive my emotions as a vulnerability. However, as I’ve healed, I’ve learned to cry for a variety of reasons—not just sadness. I shed tears when I’m joyful, angry, anxious, overwhelmed, or immensely grateful. Crying serves as a powerful response to strong feelings, many of which aren’t rooted in sadness.

If you find that your kids (or yourself) are crying more at home, there’s a valid explanation. Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a psychology professor at the University of California, points out, “People tend to cry more in environments where it’s socially acceptable and where they expect supportive reactions from others—like at home with close friends, as opposed to a professional setting surrounded by acquaintances.” This highlights the importance of creating a safe space for our children to express their emotions. While my four-year-old’s tears over a missing toy can be frustrating, home is precisely where these outbursts should happen.

Cultural norms, past experiences, and societal expectations all influence when and how often individuals cry, according to a study published in Frontiers. The research indicates that boys and men often feel shame when expressing sadness and are typically encouraged to express anger instead. We’ve all heard the tired phrase “Boys don’t cry,” right? Thankfully, we are gradually evolving our responses to children’s emotional expressions. My hope is that we raise a generation that recognizes crying as a natural biological response to emotion. Personally, I believe my life is richer because of my tears.

For more insights, check out this post about emotional expressions and their importance in our lives.

Summary:

Understanding the reasons behind frequent crying reveals that it’s a natural human response linked to empathy and emotional expression. Factors such as environment, societal norms, and personal experiences contribute to how often and why we cry. Creating safe spaces for emotional expression, especially for children, is crucial for healthy emotional development.

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Am I Just Overly Sensitive? Understanding the Science of Frequent Tears, Emotional Expression, Crying, Empathy, Child Development, Mental Health