Why We Laugh and Cry
Why do we laugh and cry? These polar manifestations of our psychism are so typically human and at times deeply irrational. Irrational in a sense that both crying and laughing can either come from overwhelming feelings of joy or overwhelming feelings of sorrow. Some individuals cry to release emotions to recalibrate and recover from a tragic event or a joyous one.
Tears can emerge and are easily triggered in response to a problem being solved, a friendly gesture, a sympathetic voice, a familiar face, or other signs of safety. Tears are also often connected to some sort of struggle an individual is going through which they feel hasn’t been solved yet, and perhaps never will. Have they given up? Or maybe it is simply a breakdown or can this breakdown be optimistically considered a breakthrough? Is this individual finally at a point where they are willing to enlist the help of others, perhaps a friend of even a therapist… someone who can help them tackle the problems that have become too overwhelming to handle alone. Then there is the other side of tears laughter. Which can also be relatively irrational because laughter may have tragic consequences depending on the situation. Some people laugh when they are uncomfortable simply because they don’t know what else to do. Others laugh in judgment, and some just laugh because they heard a few great jokes. Why we laugh or cry is greatly dependent on each and every individual and their particular situation…
Tearless grief bleeds inwardly. ~Christian Nevell Bovee
There are times when everything seems to be falling apart…
Flooded with Emotions & Emotional Flooding
Why we Cry
Emotions at times can become so overwhelming and intense the experience of emotional flooding can make an individual feel as though they are no longerin control. Depending on what has happened over someone’s lifetime many individuals who have experienced traumatic events such as abuse/physical/emotional/sexual, fighting in the war, a tragic car accident, or any other experience that is traumatic can develop PTSD and if it is not dealt with you may experience (or have already experienced) emotional flooding THE TRUTH is if you have unresolved issues at some point, they WILL surface. If you have ever experienced emotional flooding, you know the experience feels both overwhelming and painful. The pain can become so intense; that it feels like your heart is literally breaking into a million little pieces. Tears that come from this type of experience are gut retching and sometimes feel endless. You will feel as though you are in the fight or flight response due to the inability to resolve the conflicts that are going on within you rationally. Individuals who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adults who were abused or neglected as children, and trauma survivors often go through emotional flooding. The tears feel endless and the emotions render you powerless and if the underlying issues are not dealt with you can be brought to your knees by overwhelming sadness and distress.
Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it. ~ Albert Smith
The Benefits of Tears
Crying is a form of emotional expression. When feelings have become too strong or too intense crying is a helpful coping strategy many individuals use to release what ever is going on within. Crying can be transformative and help you feel liberated from your negative emotions. Tears are the body’s release valve for stress, sadness, grief, anxiety, frustration and so on. A good cry can feel cleansing, as it is a way to purge your pent up emotions. Crying is emotional freedom! Crying makes you feel better even when a problem or issue is present and persistent. Remember it is good to cry, it is healthy to cry. Crying for some becomes their breakthroughs.
 Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health. ~ Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D.
The Benefits of Laughter
Laughter is medicine for the mind and body. When laughter is shared it can be infectious. Laughter can bind people together increasing their intimacy and happiness. A good laugh can bring your mind and body back into balance. It can lighten your burdens, keep you connected to others, and inspires hope. Having a good sense of humor won’t heal all of your aliments but laughter can help you physically by releasing endorphins to help you feel a sense of wellbeing. So laugh more, and love much!