Cry It Out

As already mentioned, many people and even scientists believe crying is beneficial. Frey believes that crying could be a safety mechanism of sorts because it rids the body of stress-related toxins. Whether or not you buy into this theory, most psychologists believe that holding your emotions in can be dangerous over the long-term. In fact, some research indicates that stifling emotional tears can cause elevated risk of heart disease and hypertension. Other studies have shown that people suffering from such conditions as colitis or ulcers tend to have a less positive attitude about crying than their healthier counterparts. Psychologists recommend that people suffering from grief express their emotions through talking and crying, rather than keeping their emotions in check.

Unfortunately, many diseases and conditions feature crying as a main symptom, rather than a solution. For example, postpartum depression (PPD) is a substantial period of emotional upset experienced by about 9 to 16 percent of women following childbirth. It can result in excessive crying, among other symptoms (see APA.org for a full description of the disorder and its symptoms).

Increased crying is also common in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often endured by those who experience violent crime or another serious emotional upset, as well as soldiers returning from war (visit APA.org for more information on the possible emotional repercussions of military deployment).

Overall, it's important to remember that crying is a critical part of the human emotional makeup, just as laughing is. While you may not want to cry in front of your boss or an ex-boyfriend who's with his beautiful new girlfriend, it is largely believed to be better both emotionally and physically to "let it out" rather than keeping it all inside.

Can Semen Make You Happier?According to Psychology Today, Gordon G. Gallup, Ph.D., a psychologist at the State University of New York in Albany released a study in 2002 detailing results of a survey of nearly 300 college women who either used condoms during sexual intercourse, did not use condoms or just plain didn't have sex. Gallup's findings indicated that the respondents who did not come into direct contact with semen were more likely to become depressed, even suicidal. Gallup attributes this to the composition of semen, which he says contains mood-altering chemicals like prolactin, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estrogen, and prostaglandins. Note: You may become depressed if you contract a sexually transmitted infection, so condoms are still a great idea.

See the links on the next page for more information on crying, emotions and related topics.