Crying is an essential part of our emotional expression, whether we like it or not. Studies show that women cry more frequently than men, shedding tears about fifty times a year, compared to men, who average around ten times annually. Despite this spontaneous expression being common among all humans, it raises an important question: Why do we cry? Why do our eyes fill with tears during emotional moments, whether they are of joy or sorrow? In this article, we aim to answer these questions.
What is Crying? Understanding Emotional Tears
Crying is defined as the shedding of tears in response to an emotional state, which is entirely different from tears that are not emotionally triggered. Although the source of tears in all cases is the same, the composition and nature of the tears differ depending on the situation. When a person goes through an emotional crisis that leads to crying, tears are secreted from the lacrimal gland, located between the eyeball and the eyelid. These tears consist of water for hydration, lubricating oils to prevent evaporation, and mucus to help spread the tears over the surface of the eye as a film. This process occurs when a person blinks repeatedly, causing the tears to flow out either through the eyes, much like water overflowing from a sink, or through the nose, which is why a runny nose often accompanies crying.
The Types of Tears: More Than Just Water
Tears are a remarkable example of the complexity of the human body, as there are not just one but three types of tears: basal, reflex, and emotional. Basal tears, often referred to as “working tears,” are essential for maintaining the health of the eyes by nourishing the cornea and keeping it moist to prevent dryness. Reflex tears, on the other hand, are produced in response to irritants, such as dust particles, fumes, or even the smell of onions or tear gas. Emotional tears are the result of strong emotions such as stress, happiness, anger, sorrow, suffering, or even physical pain. This type of tear is unique because it contains a natural painkiller called “leucine enkephalin,” which might be part of the reason why people feel better after crying for a while.
The Science Behind Crying: Emotional Triggers and the Brain
So, why do tears accompany crying? The answer lies in a part of the brain responsible for human emotions called the “limbic system,” which is connected to the autonomic nervous system—an involuntary system beyond conscious control. This system includes a neurotransmitter called “acetylcholine,” which has a degree of control over the body’s tear-producing system. To put it simply, your emotional reaction to a situation triggers your nervous system, which in turn activates your tear-producing system as a form of non-verbal communication to seek help and support from those around you in times of need. Psychologists believe that this social input and the feeling of being supported are the primary reasons why people often feel better after crying.
Crying: A Reflection of Place and Time
Scientists categorize crying into two types: spatial and temporal. The spatial type is related to places; for example, you might cry because you want to be somewhere, like home or any other place. The temporal type revolves around thinking about the past or the future, which can evoke emotions, such as when you think about the anniversary of losing a loved one. Crying is intriguing in itself, as it not only makes your face wet but also involves a whole set of other effects, including increased heart rate, sweating, slowed breathing, and even a lump in the throat. These phenomena occur due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to an emotional state or any other tear-producing psychological condition. There are even myths that suggest if tears begin in the right eye, it signifies happiness, and if they start in the left, it indicates sadness, but scientific research has proven this belief to be incorrect.
Crying: A Communication Tool for Infants
Crying is not limited to adults but also extends to infants, who use it primarily as a form of communication rather than an expression of emotion due to their limited ability to express themselves. Their crying can be categorized into three types: basic crying for communication, angry crying to express displeasure, and pain-induced crying stemming from a painful feeling.
In Conclusion: The Positive Role of Tears
Finally, tears are a positive representation of who we are, as they highlight our deep emotional connections with our world in the past, present, and future. It has been scientifically proven that tears are essential for human well-being, as they help make us feel better. So, there is no shame in crying or shedding tears for the sake of your mental health.
