When is it better to cry?

[Lizzytish1313]

The last time I reached out was disappointing, but I have another question. Perhaps somebody in the community will answer with a little more compassion than my last question generated. Okay, so when we're brokenhearted, does crying serve any therapeutic purpose? I'm wondering if I don't feel less depressed when I don't yield to tears. Then I wonder what happens if I stuff these feelings?

I work that gratitude list like you wouldn't believe. The gratitude list is what's kept me from absolute despair. That technique is simply about working a word or two like "gratitude," "peace," "love," even "beauty" and there are others, but "gratitude" is best... the technique works, these words are powerful (I call them "depression suppressants," lol) but I'm wondering about the need to cry. Does that dam of tears just behind my eyes have to break ... be given voice and space ... to go away? Or will it ever go away? I would really like it to go away.

[Paxiled]

Crying does release negative feelings and increase positive ones, but only temporarily, but that's better than nothing.  But it doesn't change anything, unfortunately.  Crying when bad things happen is cathartic; crying constantly because of depression is a different thing.  And CBT, just to be accurate, is cognitive behavioral therapy, not cognitive brain therapy.

[Lizzytish1313]

Thank you. Thank you for being kind. I don't know why anyone would use (abuse) these forums to unleash their negativity, or their need to feel better than ... or more well-informed than ..., on another. So perverse is the need to dispense cruel wisdom on people who are hurting. So inappropriate is this forum for self-aggrandizement. So thank you for not being one of those, but I've only posted a few times here, and I've gotten more than one irritating response, so I think I'll leave you all to it. Thanks again singinbeauty, you are a shining jewel in the midst of a steaming pile. I won't be back.

[medstudentte]

Crying is a form of stress relief that your body needs. Stress has many unfavorable effects on our health. So a good cry releases chemicals and toxins that build up from stress. It helps the body heal. Holding back tears  only creating a tension inside your body, so cry away. BUT if you are uncontrollably crying for "no" known reason I would ask my doctor. It could be an emotional hidden reason or a physical (imbalance) that you need help with. :) Think of crying like your body's way of bring a rainbow to your heat!

[Paxiled]

I just want to say, I've looked at these posts and they all seem very kind and supportive.  I don't know why the person posting felt these were irritating responses, everyone seems to want to help the poster move on and understand.  Seeing antagonism where there isn't any is a sign of depression -- some like to label this a form of bipolar, but I think that label is way overused.  It's just easy to be overwhelmed by life not going that well and see negative intent where there isn't any.  It's much better to get views that are contrary to how we normally think since, well, we wouldn't be on here if we were happy with how things were going.  I hope the poster hangs in there with some place where people try to help and not just comfort even if it's not here.  Peace to all.

[Paxiled]

Oh, I forgot, I also wanted to say I forgot to say why I felt it was important to point out that CBT is cognitive behavioral therapy and not brain therapy.  I failed miserably at it, and most people find it hard to do, but it's not the brain we're trying to change directly because nobody knows how to do that -- nobody knows why these conditions exist -- but the negative behavior is what the therapy aims at under the belief that if you change the thinking and negative behavior repeatedly the brain will alter itself.  The behavior part is important.

[nursegirl6572]

I was thinking the same thing.  I'm not sure where the anger is coming from, I too only see helpful and caring replies?  Even when I looked on her other thread, I don't see anything to the extent that she is seeing it.  Sure, we don't always LIKE what others have to say, but that's the beauty of a site/forum like this.  You always get unbiased, honest answers.  The saying I like the best is take what you want and leave the rest.

OP, I hope you reconsider your stance.  I think you're feeling defensive and are reading things into posts that simply aren't there.  This site is full of wonderfully smart and supportive people.

Any which way...I wish you ther very best.