Author: Charmaine Szalay
The wedding march is a familiar tune that many of us know well, and undoubtedly will get me crying. I have been to four weddings in the past twelve months, and have cried my heart out at each of them. With all the crying, one question has repeatedly crossed my mind – Why do we cry?
Before unravelling just what tears are made of, it is important to distinguish that our bodies produce different types of tears. The tears which keep our eyes moist are known as basal tears, the nasty tears we cry when cutting onions are known as reflex tears, and finally, my all too familiar ‘wedding march tears’, are known as psychic or emotional tears. Each of these tears contain differing contents – which may provide clues as to the purpose of emotional crying.
Topography of tears
Emotional tears are generally produced in response to situations which evoke strong feelings, such as stress, sadness, or pleasure. Our brains play a prominent role in turning on the tap to the waterworks. Emotions are registered and interpreted in our brain, which sends a message to an area known as the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is our brain’s hormonal control centre. It receives input from our environment and dictates what hormones are released, either directly to our organs or diffusely into our blood stream. What is released into our blood stream is also released into our body’s system, which controls tear production. During periods of intense emotion stress hormones and other chemicals - including endogenous painkillers - are released. Hormones signal to the glands in our eyes, known as lacrimal glands, that it’s time for a good cry.
One interesting fact about emotional tears is that they are more sticky than basal or reflex tears. These tears stick to our faces. Emotional tears are filled with hormones and proteins which allow the tears to become more viscous. It is thought that this increases social bonding between people during periods of vulnerability.
To answer the original question, why do we cry? Considering that tears contain pain killers; tears may serve as an outward expression of our body’s internal attempt to combat stressors. Tears are also thought to be one way the body rids itself of chemicals produced during stress, which may be elevated especially during cathartic periods. One study revealed that those who actively suppress tears have an elevated risk of heart disease diagnosis. While there is no definitive, consensus on exactly why we cry in emotional situations, I can rest in some satisfaction knowing tears do have their benefits. Besides, crying my heart out may just save me from a heart attack.