Tearfulness

What is important to know

Increased tearfulness may occur during periods of severe stress, overwork, emotional stress, loss, or significant life changes.

It can also accompany depression and anxiety. With depression, a person may notice that he has become much more sensitive, cries more often, or, conversely, feels very sad, but cannot cry.

Emotional reactivity can be affected by sleep disturbances, chronic pain, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, substance use, and medications.

It is impossible to determine the cause from this symptom alone, but it is an important sign of the need for additional examination.

How can tearfulness manifest itself?

A person may notice that:

began to cry much more often than before;

tears appear due to minor events;

it is difficult to stop crying once it starts;

crying occurs for no clear reason;

It becomes more difficult to discuss emotional topics;

increased sensitivity combined with irritability or anxiety;

after crying, relief appears or, conversely, a feeling of devastation;

You have to avoid communication or certain situations for fear of crying.

What to pay attention to

When did increased tearfulness appear and how different is it from your usual state?

Are there clear situations or experiences that cause it?

Whether the change is associated with significant stress, loss, conflict or overwork.

Is there simultaneously a depressed mood, anxiety, apathy, or loss of interest in usual activities?

Have your sleep, appetite, energy, or ability to concentrate changed?

Do you have feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness?

Whether the onset of the symptom is due to a change in drug therapy, hormonal status, or disease.

How much crying interferes with work, school, relationships, or normal activities.

Are there episodes of laughing or crying that are difficult to control and inappropriate for the current situation?

What can help

You don't have to try to hold back your tears at all costs. If crying occurs as a natural emotional reaction, being able to express your feelings often helps reduce internal tension.

Pay attention to sleep, level of stress, amount of stress and situations after which tearfulness intensifies.

If emotions become too intense, taking a short pause, breathing slowly, turning your attention to your body sensations, or calmly discussing your feelings with a loved one can help.

With persistent tearfulness, it is important to look not for a way to “stop crying,” but for the reason for the change in emotional state.

When to ask for help

Contact your doctor or mental health professional if your crying is new and persists, becomes more severe, or is accompanied by other noticeable changes in mood or behaviour.

Consultation is especially important if significant depression, anxiety, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, significant loss of energy, or feelings of hopelessness are present at the same time.

If episodes of crying or laughing occur suddenly, are largely uncontrollable and do not correspond to the emotional situation, especially in the presence of a neurological disease or after a brain injury, this should also be discussed with a doctor.