The Science Behind Tears

Crying is a bodily function, yet we’re taught in most settings to hide it and avoid talking about it. It’s one of my favorite topics to explore, because there’s so much shame and taboo surrounding something so natural.

Not All Tears Are the Same

Biologically, humans produce three types of tears, and each serves a different purpose:

1. Basal tears: These keep our eyes lubricated and protected on a daily basis.
2. Reflex tears: These show up when something irritates your eyes, like smoke, wind, or chopping onions. Their job is to flush out irritants and protect your vision.
3. Emotional tears: These are the ones that come with deep feelings, like grief, frustration, joy, or tenderness. But interestingly, physical pain can also trigger emotional tears.

That’s right, tears can surface not just from emotional overwhelm, but also from sharp or sustained physical pain. This crossover between physical and emotional pain shows how deeply connected our mind and body really are.

And here’s where it gets fascinating: emotional and pain-induced tears are chemically different from basal or reflex tears. They carry a unique biological signature.

Emotional Tears Carry a Biological Message

Emotional tears contain different proteins, hormones, and even neurotransmitters that reflect the emotional experience you’re having.

For example, emotional tears have been found to include:
- Leucine enkephalin (a natural painkiller)
- Stress hormones like ACTH and cortisol
- Prolactin, which is linked to emotional regulation

Our brains also play an active role when we cry. Crying can trigger the release of oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. These substances can help soothe distress, reduce pain, and foster a sense of connection and calm.

Crying is one way our bodies help regulate overwhelming emotions. By releasing these chemicals, tears help us literally feel calmer.

Crying, then, isn’t just a symptom of distress. It may be part of the healing. Which makes thinking about how often we stifle it incredibly interesting. 👀

Tears Are a Social Signal, Too

And tears don’t just serve a private, physical function. They also play a social role.

Unlike most animals, humans are the only species known to cry emotional tears visibly. Evolutionary psychologists believe this may have developed as a way to signal vulnerability, elicit care, and strengthen social bonds.

When someone sees you cry:
- They’re more likely to respond with empathy and support
- Your tears can communicate what words can’t
- It creates an opening for connection

Think about how many times someone’s tears have softened a conversation, helped you understand them more deeply, or reminded you of your own humanity. Crying brings us closer, to others and to ourselves.

So, Is Crying “Healthy”?

Allowing yourself to feel and express emotion, in whatever form it takes, is often a sign that you’re connected to your inner experience and can help you move through the emotion and get to the other side.

Some people cry easily. Others rarely tear up, even when they’re deeply moved. There’s no “right” way to feel. And if you do find yourself crying more than usual, or not at all, it can be an invitation to get curious:
- What’s trying to come up?
- What do you need?
- What haven’t you had space to feel?

Therapy can be a place to explore these questions safely, without judgment.

Final Thought: Tears Are Wisdom, Not Weakness

We live in a world that often labels crying as “too much,” “dramatic,” or “unprofessional.” But your tears carry important information. They’re not just about pain, they’re about meaning. About what matters. About what needs care.

In many ways, tears are your nervous system asking for space. Your body’s way of saying: something important is happening here.