Should I be worried if I'm not crying enough?

I think we all can agree that how healthy it is to release. But is there a certain number?

We humans need to cry to be healthy. Crying releases chemicals that make us feel good called endorphins, and this makes it one of the better ways to release stress and pain, both of which can cause cardiovascular disease when held in.

That being said, there is a prevailing stereotype that men it today’s Western society do not cry enough. And there’s probably truth to it.

As far as I can tell, there is no right answer as to how often you should cry. If it helps, studies show the average in America is 1.9 times a month for men and over 3 times a month for women.

Here’s a chart of the results founded by YouGov after interviewing 1500 or so adults. Warning: it may or may not give your perspective on the topic of crying a Western bias.

I'd say I only shed a few tears annually, but there are definitely certain times when I find myself crying more frequently.

For example, I've cried when family members have passed away, and I’ve cried when I heard about the deaths of public figures (George Floyd, Kobe Bryant). I cry when I don’t get artist grants I apply for. And let's not forget Valentine's Day - for some reason, that holiday always seems to bring on the waterworks for me.

Despite my attempts to hold back my tears, I am actually a big believer in the power of crying. There's something incredibly freeing about letting go and allowing yourself to feel all the emotions that come with a difficult situation. It's like a dam breaking, and all the pent-up emotions just flow out. It can be a cathartic and healing experience.

Plus, I‘m pretty sure the alternative is a big red flag. It takes a lot of strength and vulnerability to embrace your emotions and let yourself cry, and holding it in can cause it to release in unhealthy ways.

So, let the tears flow, I say. It's all part of being human.