On April 23rd is the ‘National Day of Choro’, a physiological and emotional response that accompanies the human being throughout life. Crying is common – especially in times of joy or sadness – but have you ever wondered why this happens? According to the psychologist and coordinator of the Anhanguera College Psychology course, Danilo Calixto, the answer is simple: it is a way for the body to process and express intense emotions.
“When we feel something with great intensity the brain triggers areas related to emotion, such as the limbic system, and a series of hormonal and neurological reactions lead to tears production. Many people say ‘crying did well’, and that has a scientific basis. Emotional tears contain substances that help balance the chemical state of the body, ”he says.
In addition, crying plays an important social role. From the first months of life, we have learned that this is a form of communication. “Crying draws attention, mobilizes care and connects people. It is a universal language that often speaks more than words,” says the psychologist.
Excessive crying can be a warning sign
But what about crying becomes frequent or disproportionate? The psychologist warns that it is important to observe the context. “If one feels like crying all the time, without clear reason, or if crying interferes with social and professional life, it can be a sign of deeper emotional suffering, such as anxiety or depression. In these cases, seeking psychological support is fundamental.”
The expert points out that when we cry, the body goes through a series of physical and chemical reactions, as if the whole body mobilized to deal with emotion. See the main reactions:
1. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
It is the system responsible for calming the body after a moment of stress. After crying, he goes into action, slowing the heartbeat and bringing a sense of relaxation.
2. Increased heartbeat and breathing
During crying, the heart beats faster and breathing gets shorter and irregular. This is because the body is in an intense emotional state, as if it was on alert.
3. Production of three types of tears
- Basal tears: lubricate and protect the eyes;
- Reflex tears: come up when something Poor eyes;
- Emotional tears: Released by intense emotions, contain stress -related hormones.
4. Release of hormones
During crying, the body releases hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins, which help relieve physical and emotional pain, providing a sense of comfort and well-being. On the other hand, in times of stress, there is an increase in adrenaline and cortisol – substances that are also partly eliminated through emotional tears.
5. Muscle tension followed by relaxation
O Body gets tense While we cry, especially the face, neck and shoulders. Then these muscles relax, which contributes to that feeling of post-choro “lightness”.
6. Nasal congestion and red eyes
The lacrimal glands produce many tears that can drain to their nose, causing that famous clogged nose. The blood vessels in the eyes expand, leaving them reddish.
By Camila Souza Crepaldi