This article was co-authored by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
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Having a good, emotional cry can be a soothing and comforting experience, especially when you’re struggling with a difficult challenge in your life. But what if you just aren’t able to get those tears to flow? We’re here to help. Read on to learn plenty of tried-and-true ways to both stimulate tears and get you in the proper mindset for a healing cry.
How to Make Yourself Cry
- Listen to sad or emotional music.
- Watch tear-jerker movies or read something sad.
- Look at old photos or relive past memories.
- Write a journal entry or talk to a friend about your feelings.
- Complete an intense workout or go for a walk to let out your emotions.
- Chop some onions or apply a tear-stick under your eyes to cry on command.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat do you do when you want to cry but can't?Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSWKelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
Relationship CoachSome people find it harder to cry than others, and that's okay! I recommend watching a sad movie, meditating, or writing down your feelings. Then, just let yourself feel whatever you're feeling. -
QuestionHow do I let my emotions out?Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSWKelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
Relationship CoachIn addition to crying, write out how you feel. Don't worry about grammar or anything like that. Just write until you get it all out on paper. -
QuestionIs it healthy to cry?Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSWKelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
Relationship CoachYes! It's good to cry and let it all out. Crying helps you release your emotions and is a healthy bodily function.
Video
Tips
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Remind yourself that it’s okay to cry—more than okay, in fact! Crying is a perfectly normal and valid way to express your emotions; plus, it can be a valuable way to ease your stress load and feel more connected to the people around you.[18]Thanks
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Be sure to drink lots of water before and after having a good cry. You are losing moisture from your eyes when you cry, after all!Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- If you are crying with a friend, let them know if you want them to just sit quietly with you or if you want an arm around you. Don't expect them to know what you need; we are all different in this regard.
- After crying, do something you enjoy to restore your mood and get back into the swing of life. Watch an upbeat movie, or call a friend!
References
- ↑ https://pittnews.com/article/168858/opinions/opinion-listening-to-sad-music-isnt-bad-for-you-its-actually-healthy/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-crying
- ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 21 July 2020.
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/gratitude.htm
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-try-holotropic-breathwork-heres-what-it-does
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-crying
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/yawning
- ↑ https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/food-and-nutrition/item/why-does-chopping-an-onion-make-you-cry/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/11/02/crying-yoga-emotions-trigger-release/
- ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/12-benefits-of-walking
- ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 21 July 2020.
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-crying
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/benefits-of-venting-go-both-ways
- ↑ https://nymag.com/strategist/2022/07/annie-hamilton-tear-stick-review.html
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-crying
About This Article
To cry and let it all out, find a place where you can cry alone without having to worry about what others think. Then, allow yourself to think deeply about what makes you sad, and don't be afraid to let the tears flow. You should allow yourself to cry until you let it all out so you can fully release your emotions. Additionally, remember that it's healthy to let it all out when you cry, since people generally feel better after a good cry. For tips on how to use music to make you cry, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"I find that this article is helpful to those who need it.I just want to assure people, crying is good for you, being sad or upset is normal. Last week I was missing One of my grandmothers (Memere). I talked to my friend about it, and I felt better. I was saddened, but just because you don't cry about something, it doesn't mean you are avoiding it, sometimes you are sad, but not crying sad. You can feel whatever you feel and it will be fine."..." more