Humans cry all the time. It is a part of our nature to be emotionally-charged, social creatures. There is something special about being able to release emotions through the form of tears. It is phenomenal that we have salt water coming out of our tear ducts in response to an outside experience. Emotions are felt by everyone with a heartbeat. Our first breath into the world and we are born screaming and crying because it is a normal, biological response.
What is Binge Crying?
Similar to binge eating, binge crying is when someone holds off their needs to the point of indulging in them excessively and feeling they cannot stop. Think of it as plugging leaks in a dam, so you don’t let the water out, but you are still adding water in the lake and more pressure. Eventually, the dam bursts, and the water (or tears) come flooding out.
Binge crying is often a spell of powerful sadness that lasts for minutes to hours. This may look like suppressing emotions to the point of being unable to hold them back. It is when an individual experiences the intense urge to cry, and often for long periods. The emotion is sudden and overwhelming. There may have been a trigger or underlying stressor that caused it, or it may seem to come on completely out of the blue.
Once I Start Crying, Why Can’t I Stop?
You may notice that once the floodgates have opened, they aren’t coming to a stop any time soon. That is because crying can elevate your mood by lowering manganese levels. Manganese is a mineral that regulates anxiety, stress, and aggression. Your body is releasing toxins while crying, and it is best to let your body do its thing. Dispelling toxins and emotions can benefit your health both mentally and physically. It can be a form of self-soothing that feels too good to stop.
Get It All Out
If you are feeling like crying, it is important to get rid of all of the emotions welled up inside. Like juicing a lemon, you have to salvage all of the juice to the very last drop. Make sure you cry all of your emotions out so the feelings don’t linger and disrupt your day. Holding in even a few feelings can change the way you react to others. You may come across as harsh or not perform your best. Your relationships and work will be affected. Even your health may take a turn for the worst. You may feel run down and feverish because of the stress that has built up over time.
Get all of the emotions out of you! Every person has a unique way of managing their inner struggles, and you must find out what works best for you. This can mean partaking in an activity that releases your stress. For some people, exercise helps alleviate frustrations. For others, talking with a loved one helps lift the weight on their shoulders. Some may find that meditation, prayer, art, or music will help them best. Try some self-care by treating yourself to a massage or taking a bath with candles and essential oils. Take the time you need to figure out your method of destressing. You will thank yourself in the future.
Seek Help
If you find yourself unable to stop crying, it may be time to seek help. It is perfectly normal to find yourself with the blues now and then. If you wake up every day with the gut feeling of a black sadness, however, it is time to ask for help. There are thousands of people experiencing sadness, so take comfort in knowing you are not alone. There is help available.
If you suspect you may have depression, some medications raise your serotonin and dopamine to normal levels. Serotonin is the hormone involved in feelings of pleasure, stability, and happiness. Dopamine is the hormone that regulates motivation and drive. There is nothing wrong with choosing medication to help with depression symptoms. Think of it as an individual with diabetes taking insulin. They need medication to survive with normal insulin levels, and those with depression need medicine to survive with normal serotonin and dopamine levels. If you are stuck in a dark spot right now, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. No matter how alone you feel, you are never alone. Support is available 24/7. There are groups in your community, online, or at church ready to embrace you and support you through this time.
Crying is a regular human function. It is important to allow yourself time to cry and truly experience the emotions you feel. Your body will feel lighter after releasing the toxins it’s been holding inside. If you find yourself unable to stop crying, it may be time to seek help. At Rancho Milagro, we believe in individualized treatment plans and a holistic approach. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or are fighting an addiction please help yourself by reaching out. Call Rancho Milagro at (951) 526-4582 for more information about our treatment selections. There are people ready to help you begin your journey to a joyful life. At our facility, we have acres of farmland that creates a tranquil environment for recovery. Our ranch is also home to over 20 farm and therapy animals ready to bond with you. We have supportive, extensively educated staff determined to create a treatment for your unique needs.