You lie in your bed at night, ready to sleep, but then you feel a tear roll down your cheeks, and then suddenly you’re crying your eyes out for no apparent reason? Ever happened to you?
Well, let me tell you one thing. Many people feel like crying when they watch sad movies, read emotional books, or when they hear sad news but some people may cry for no reason at all.
Crying for no reason at all is more common than you might think and can be because of many factors (some we’ll discuss further). Even when your crying is random and out of the blue, there will always be an underlying reason.
Below I’ve listed some possible reasons why you cry for no reason at all. Take a look and let me know in the comments if you resonate with any.
Potential Causes Of Crying For No Reason
Crying for no apparent reason is not always without reason. There are always some underlying reasons whether you realize it or not. Here are some causes why you cry for no reason:
1. Depression
One of the biggest causes of your crying can be depression. Depression causes symptoms such as hopelessness, helplessness, anhedonia, etc. that can cause you to express your emotions (or lack thereof) with your tears.
Other symptoms of depression can include:
Sleep troubles
Changes in appetite
Fatigue
Lack of concentration
Physical aches and pains
Thoughts of suicide
If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, then immediately contact your local helpline number. You can also contact the following helpline numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
TrevorLifeline: 866-488-7386
iCall: +91-9152-987-821
AASRA: +91-9820-466-726
Vandrevala Foundation: +91-9999-666-555
Keep in mind that depression symptoms may vary and while you may experience random episodes of crying, others may find themselves crying too much or not crying at all.
2. Anxiety
Another cause of your random crying can be anxiety. It’s common for people struggling with depression to experience anxiety or anxiety disorders too.
Anxiety is the complex yet natural response to intense worry, panic, and feelings of fear, especially when faced with a seemingly life-threatening situation. These feelings usually cause physical and psychological symptoms that can make us feel more overwhelmed.
Feeling too overwhelmed by a situation is more likely to make you cry. When you’re full to the brim with emotions, there are only a few ways those emotions can be released. Crying is one of the most common ways and can happen over little things.
3. Hormonal Changes
Another cause that I think is worthy of attention is hormonal changes. These hormonal changes happening in your body are also a reason why you might cry so much. Pregnant ladies might find themselves crying for no reason at all. This can be because, during pregnancy, the flood of hormones is high.
Sometimes, disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD might be the underlying cause of your crying. PMDD symptoms can include:
Random bouts of crying
Crying too much
Mood swings
Depression and anxiety
Changes in appetite
Cramping and bloating
Headaches
Physical aches and pains
These symptoms of PMDD begin typically a week before menstruation and subside during the menstruation period. Many ladies feel more emotional than usual during and after their menstruation because of all the hormonal changes it causes.
4. Neurological Disorders
It’s not always psychological disorders that may cause random crying. In some cases, neurological disorders such as brain injury, brain tumor, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease may also cause you to cry for no reason.
People with such neurological disorders can also experience random emotional outbursts. They might also experience immediate changes in emotions. For example; from anger to crying to laughter all within a few minutes.
5. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can cause you to feel extreme ups and downs when it comes to your mood. These random mood swings can be accompanied by intense emotions like crying.
Bipolar I causes manic episodes that last for a week and can be experienced with bouts of depressive episodes. People with Bipolar I, in some cases, may experience manic and depressive episodes at the same time.
Bipolar II, on the other hand, involves episodes of depression and hypomania. The highs and lows during this are not as extreme as Bipolar I.
Can Crying Make You Feel Better?
Crying is a normal reaction to an emotional situation and while it doesn’t necessarily make you feel better, it can help release some emotions. In other cases, crying can help you feel better if you:
Have an emotional support
Cry as a positive response
Can express your emotions better
Can understand your emotions better after
Getting Help
If you’re unable to control your emotions or if your emotions are getting the best of you, then it is recommended that you seek help from a mental health professional. If your random crying is affecting your day-to-day life, then consult with a professional.
Remember, your random crying can be because of an underlying reason such as depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition. Treatment options are available such as:
Therapy
Support groups
Mindfulness exercises
Alternative therapies
Medications
Among others. A professional can help you choose the best therapy for you.
How To Cope?
There are many ways you can cope with your random crying episodes. Here are some ways you can cope when you cry for no reason:
Communicate: Talking to your support system when you feel like crying can help you understand the cause of your emotions
Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breathing can help you relax. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This can help control the tears
Distraction: When you feel like crying, try to think of something that helps you calm down such as a poem or a song
Take A Walk: If a stressful situation is making you feel like crying to release the tension, consider walking away. It’ll help you calm down and think clearly
Writer’s Thoughts
While it’s not common for people to cry for no reason at all, it’s not abnormal either. However, if you find yourself crying all the time for no reason and if your random bouts of crying are affecting your daily functioning, then it’s better to seek professional help.
Crying out of the blue can be a sign of underlying mental health disorders. Whatever your reasons (or no reasons) or causes, remember that it’s okay to cry.
If you’re sad and crying for no reason, it’s okay. If you’re angry and crying to express your emotions, it’s okay. Or if you just feel like crying, it’s okay too!
We’re also here to help you manage your emotions. You can write to us at info@calmsage.com or DM us on social media. We’re here to help you!
“Watch a movie that makes you laugh or listen to a song that makes you cry. Embrace your emotions and be proud of what you feel.” – Demi Lovato
Take Care!
The post Why Am I Crying For No Reason? Here’s Why! appeared first on Calm Sage – Your Guide to Mental and Emotional Well-being.