Topic Overview

Crying is a natural response to loss. When you are grieving, a sad movie, a simple greeting, or even a smile can cause you to cry.

As an expression of grief, crying serves many functions by:

• Helping to release emotions. Many people report that they feel better after crying. Some people say they need to cry to release their emotions, and doing so helps them handle the demands placed upon them.
• Helping you adapt to sad situations.
• Letting other people know that you feel pain and need comfort. Crying is a socially acceptable way to express anger, fear, or shame.