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Grief: Crying Can Help

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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:

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Does it do any good to memorialize disasters such as 9/11? Do monuments to grief and endless anniversary remembrances re-traumatize us or strengthen our resilience? For good or ill, memorializing is a part of human nature, says Mount Holyoke college professor Karen Remmler, PhD, an expert in the remembrance of tragedies. "It is a very human, universal desire to remember the dead," Remmler tells WebMD. "Very often, the only way to remember is to create some kind of space. Altars, for example, or...

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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.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 07, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.