Why do we cry?
There are pains too bitter to articulate, when emotions are suppressed and then burst out, uncontrollable, shattered and we weep.Tears are the salty fluid, always present in the eyes. When we talk about tears, most people believe they come from overwhelming emotions after experiencing intense sadness. However, not all tears stem from pain or negative emotions...Typically, the amount of tears produced remains sufficient to keep the eyeball moist. Tear ducts are small openings at the upper and lower eyelids that produce tears. If tears are not properly drained, excessive tearing may occur.Our tears contain potassium chloride (KCl), sodium chloride (NaCl), enzymes, fats, and essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Lysozyme, one of the most abundant enzymes in tears, is the eye's first line of defense against bacteria. Lysozyme itself is a natural antibacterial protein that helps destroy invading bacteria in the eye. This can easily occur when rubbing the eye with dirty hands or being in dusty environments.Psychologically, we often feel stunned when witnessing someone suddenly burst into tears. At that moment, their pain and vulnerability overshadow all arguments and intentions in the conflict. Tears shed from spontaneous emotions become a psychological weapon, swiftly and effectively quelling all anger and criticism. Studies have shown that during arguments between couples, tensions quickly subside if one begins to cry... By shedding tears and expressing emotions, you are more likely to receive help and gain trust from the other person sooner.
It's curious how both our positive and negative emotions are processed in the same way—tears. Scientists explain that the Amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for emotional reactions and behavior, triggers tears even before the 'cry' moment arrives. Just as tears flow, the body releases oxytocin, instantly soothing it by promoting physical changes like lowering blood pressure.Similar to crying when sad to diminish negative emotions, crying when happy prevents the brain from being overwhelmed by sudden shifts in your emotional states.Shedding tears or crying can signify sadness and negativity, but not all tears are alike. Some are shed in moments of high tension, where emotions surge, while others are a result of cutting onions.There are three types of tears distinguished by the activating factors and their impact on our bodies: basal tears, emotional tears, and reflex tears. Each type of tear also differs in its chemical composition.Basically, tears are always present on the eye surface, they are composed of multiple layers and help keep the eye moist. While basal tears act as a barrier preventing debris or dust from the external environment from penetrating into the eye, emotional tears reduce stress and promote mental well-being. Nerve tension-relieving substances have been found in emotional tears, and crying or tearing up at this point can wash away overwhelming emotions quite literally.Basic tears consist of oil, mucus, water, and salt to combat infections. Oil aids in moisturizing the eyes while preventing them from evaporating. Blinking evenly distributes tears over the surface of the eyeball. Moreover, basic tears also improve vision and sharpen image clarity.These tears flow forth to reciprocate intense emotions like sadness, heartache, joy, or anger. They contain similar chemical composition to basic tears but harbor heightened stress hormones, serving as the body's natural pain reliever. Humans possess unique compounds in emotional tears that convey messages to those around them. Thus, emotional tears evoke empathy or suspicion, and when expressing anger, they signal others to keep their distance.These are tears meant for cleansing the eyes; they contain fewer chemicals than the previous types and are released abundantly when insects fly into the eyes causing irritation, or when enzymes and acids from onions are released upon cutting. Such tears act as antibodies, natural proteins that safeguard the human immune system, and they often flow copiously to wash away everything.Some studies indicate that we feel better after crying when receiving support and affection from loved ones and those around us.
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