Why We Cry and How It Helps Us

Scientists have found unique compounds in tears that affirm an ancient Chinese understanding of crying

There is a wisdom in letting tears flow and carry away with them some of our grief and stress. tugol/Shutterstock

For me, it’s SPCA commercials or any ad for the local animal shelter. Before I can reach the remote and change the channel, I’m choking back tears at the sight of some forlorn animal—and then the dam breaks, leaving me a sobbing mess.

Crying is something few of us think about until we are in the midst of it. But crying because something has affected us, touching us in some profound way, is more significant than many of us may realize.