Cry Your Eyes Out: 10 Reasons Crying Is Good For You

Contrary to the negative connotation ingrained in us by society, it’s unhealthy both physically and mentally to stop yourself from crying. For so long, weeping has been received with scorn and is considered a sign of weakness and, in the case of boys, a lack of masculinity. As such, people often do their best to hold back their tears when they feel upset, but this could actually be detrimental to one’s health.

According to psychologist Nikki Martinez, "Suppressing an emotion…actually heightens it and makes you feel worse," which prolongs your mental distress as well as causes your physical stress to grow as the fight-or-flight response continuously releases stress hormones. Over time, Dr. Martinez says, repeated suppression of tears can lead to irritability, anxiety, poor sleep, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems.

So don’t be afraid to cry; let it out when you need to! Your body and mind will thank you in the long run.