It's Hard To Cry Even Though It's Sad? Recognize 4 Factors The Cause

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JAKARTA - Crying can be a healthy emotional outlet, encouraging empathy and support from family and friends. This is a natural body response that almost everyone feels.

But, did you know if there are people who find it difficult to cry even though they are hit by sadness? Various factors can contribute to emotional suppression, making it difficult to cry. There are also certain conditions and treatments that can affect the ability to cry.

Reporting from the Psych Central page, Wednesday, September 20, here are four reasons according to psychologists for people who have difficulty crying.

According to Dan Auerbach, a clinical psychotherapist and relationship counselor in Sydney, Australia, the theory of entanglement highlights how a person's early life relationship with parenting forms an emotional response.

For example, a 2016 study showed that avoidant attachment (people who tend not to have emotional responses or tend to be non-responsive) is associated with depressed emotions and the belief that crying is an unhealthy way to express emotions.

Furthermore, Auerbach explained the role of interpersonal neuroscience and the role of the brain in emotional interactions.

The mirror Neurons, which are active in response to observed behavior, may condition a person to suppress emotions if they are surrounded by individuals who are emotionally closed, he said.

The mechanism for regulating the brain's emotions, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, can become too active so as to suppress natural responses such as crying. In addition, the neurobiological decision between emotions and physiological states, which often stem from trauma or chronic stress, can hinder the ability to cry, "explained Auerbach.

Carolina Pataky, a marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and clinical sexologist in South Florida, called the difficulty of crying a'motional consistency' when emotions are suppressed and not easily accessible. This can be caused by various factors, including public norms.

In many cultures and social environments, crying is associated as a vulnerability seen as a weakness. So it has the potential to make individuals feel embarrassed or ridiculed if they cry," Pataky said.

To avoid looking vulnerable, some people use feelings of anger as a defense mechanism. This emotional protector can make it difficult for them to access softer emotions such as sadness, making it difficult for them to cry.

Certain mental health conditions, such as depression, can also cause a lack of emotion. A person will feel numb, flat, or desperate, and may not react to things that usually make the person cry.

Certain medical conditions, such as dry eye syndrome or Sjoorgren syndrome, an autoimmune condition, can affect tear production. Some drugs can also interfere with the ability to cry. This may include:

It's okay if you find it difficult to cry. Everyone has a unique way of expressing themselves and there are many ways to release hidden emotions other than crying. Embrace your decision to vent emotions not by crying and seeking support when needed is an important step in fostering emotional well-being.