AP Dhillon, a prominent figure in the Indian music industry, recently opened up about his emotional struggles and how they have shaped his artistic expression. Recently, the ‘Brown Munde’ singer revealed that he has stopped crying.The singer also confessed to letting his emotions flow through his writing. However, the comment raised an intriguing question: Is crying beneficial for mental health?
“Rone se to kuch hoga nahi (nothing will happen with crying),” AP Dhillon
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In a recent chat, AP Dhillon shared that his experiences have taught him valuable lessons. However, when he watches his documentary or talks to his family, he sometimes feels emotional. When asked about the last time he cried, he laughed and said it would probably be when he moved back to Canada. This light-hearted response shows how he balances his emotions while reflecting on his journey.
ALSO READ: AP Dhillon Opens Up About ‘Self Therapy’: Here Is How You Can Be Your Own Self-Help Therapist
Is Crying Beneficial For Mental Health?
A relevant study, ‘Is crying a self-soothing behavior?’, published on PubMed discusses whether crying is beneficial for mental health. This research explores the effects of crying on mood regulation and stress reduction. It presents evidence suggesting that crying can enhance mood and promote emotional relief by activating physiological processes.
- Crying is defined as an emotional response that can serve both intra- and inter-individual functions, helping individuals cope with distress.
- The study distinguishes between self-soothing, where crying helps individuals manage their own emotions, and social-soothing, where comfort from others alleviates distress.
- Crying may activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body after stress, and increase oxytocin levels, promoting feelings of comfort.
- Self-soothing through crying involves cognitive processes like reappraisal and behavioural responses such as sobbing, which can help regulate emotions.
- The act of crying is linked to returning emotional and physiological states to baseline levels, suggesting it plays a role in restoring balance after emotional upheaval.
- External factors, such as feelings of embarrassment or the presence of supportive individuals, can influence the effectiveness of crying as a self-soothing behaviors.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Crying?
Crying is often perceived as a sign of weakness, but this view is increasingly challenged by psychological and societal perspectives. Various studies have proven that crying is not a sign of weakness. Contrary to the belief that crying signifies weakness, many also argue that it reflects emotional intelligence and strength as it can also facilitate emotional processing and release pent-up feelings, contributing to mental well-being.
According to Shaikh Uzma Jamal, emotional fitness coach, crying is not just an emotional response; it’s a natural mechanism that supports mental health and emotional fitness. She said, “I often highlight the role of crying in self-regulation. Crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body relax after stress, and releases oxytocin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone. This process promotes emotional balance and relieves pent-up feelings.”
- To cultivate emotional well-being, it’s crucial to normalize crying as a healthy coping mechanism.
- Acknowledging emotions, whether through tears or other outlets, is the first step toward emotional growth and resilience.
- Remember, allowing yourself to feel is not weakness—it’s strength. Emotional release is a pathway to mental clarity and better overall health.”
Takeaway
However, crying should not be viewed as a sign of weakness. It is a complex emotional response that can signify strength, resilience, and emotional health. Challenging the stigma surrounding crying is essential for fostering a more supportive understanding of emotional expression in both personal and professional contexts.