

Why do we cry?
Aug 2, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of tears and discover why humans shed them. Explore the three types of tears: basal, reflex, and emotional. Uncover the physiological and psychological benefits of crying, from its role in emotional connection to the empathy it fosters. Ever wondered why witnessing someone cry makes you want to do the same? This insightful discussion reveals the complexity behind our most vulnerable moments.
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Uniqueness and Purpose of Crying
- Humans uniquely shed emotional tears among all creatures on earth.
- Crying acts as a call for cooperation and invokes empathy from others.
Composition of Emotional Tears
- Emotional tears contain proteins and hormones, including encephalene which alleviates pain.
- They also release cortisol, the stress hormone, often causing fatigue after crying.
Tears of Joy and Emotional Balance
- Tears of joy help rebalance intense emotions and restore emotional equilibrium.
- The brain controls laughter and tears via the same region, linking these emotional expressions.