Although not everyone will admit to this, most people will cry at times. I am certain that during this pandemic, there has been more crying than usual. Perhaps the increased amount of crying is because of fear/anxiety or because emotions are running high or a response to a simple heroic story on the news or a cheesy Lifetime movie that will cause the spilling of tears.
The production of tears falls under three categories: 1- a baseline level of tears produced that keep the eyes moist 2- a reflex to exposure, wind or onions to clear the eyes from debris 3- an emotional response to ether sadness, fear or happiness. These tears contain more stress hormones than the other types of tears.
Here is why crying is a healthy event (in some cases):
- Crying enhances the parasympathetic nervous system that has a calming/self-soothing effect
- Crying is an attachment behavior, eliciting support and comfort from others
- Crying helps the body release more endorphins and oxytocin that helps people feel better and less pain
- Crying may potentially aid sleep
- Crying fights bacterial infections of the eyes
- Crying may improve vision
When crying is not healthy: If frequent crying is accompanied by a bunch of other symptoms such as constant sadness, withdrawal from friends/loved ones, not finding happiness in people/events that used to produce happiness, feeling pessimistic all of the time, laying in bed as opposed to getting up and similar symptoms, then a major depression may be present. This should be evaluated quickly.
Okay, and now a Posner admission: EVERY time I have seen the movie Field Of Dreams, at the end, when the lead played by Kevin Costner asks his father: “Dad, do you want to have a catch?”, and the movie ends with them throwing the baseball as cars line up to see the Field, the tears roll down my face.
And now, for YOU: Please send me your comment as to what movie(s) are automatic tear-jerkers for you. (PLEASE, do NOT send “The Notebook”…that probably ranks (not for me) as one of the most significant tearjerkers)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Thank you, Kent!
At the end of the movie Secretariet, (movie of the same name), comes around the last turn, galloping for the finishing line, the picture of beauty and strength, and I hear the words to a song in the sound track “…and live rejoicing every day….,” I weep. Beauty, valor, strength, sacrifice, observing these things in an act, always emotionally stirs me and I cry, joyful tears.
It is a great movie, Angela! We appreciate you took time for write this warm comment! Thank you, again!
final scene of Brian’s Song: “It wasn’t how he died that they remember, it was how he lived. oh, how he did live.”
the ending of “Of Mice an Men”: “George, I can see the rabbits…”
Thank you Mr. Johnson for your comment!
I totally agree with Field of Dreams – that scene gets me every time. I’d have to say another big one for me is Rudy. I go through a lot of kleenex on that one!
Thank you, Susan for your comment!
I vote for Field of Dreams too. At the end I said I would love to have a game of catch with my dad as we all used to play baseball with my cousins, especially on Sunday afternoon. Jim said I guess lots of us would like to do that too. To which I responded, But not many of them are girls. (Cue for tears!)
Thank you, Muriel for your comment. It is a great movie for all of us!