This month's blog post, "Why Crying Isn't Weak: A 15-Year-Old’s Perspective," is in honor of International Stress Awareness Day and Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month this November. Keep reading for some tips and insights from a teen!
November can be a tough month. With the holiday season looming and life's stresses piling up, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We've all heard the advice: "Don't cry, be strong." But when emotions run deep, it's not always easy to follow that advice. Bottling up our feelings can feel heavy and overwhelming. Sometimes, the weight of the world feels like it's resting on our shoulders. We might feel sad, anxious, or just plain exhausted. It's during these times that we may find ourselves holding back tears, feeling like we should be strong and stoic. But what if crying isn't a sign of weakness, but rather a powerful tool for emotional release? Bottling up our feelings can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms. Letting go of tears can help us process our emotions, reduce stress, and feel more at peace. But, amidst all this chaos, here's the good news: a teenager (yes, you read that right!) will be sharing 3 Reasons for Why It's Okay to Let the Tears Flow. Interested? Read more below!
Have you ever felt the urge to cry but held it back? Maybe you were afraid of what others might think, or you simply didn't want to feel vulnerable. It's okay to let those tears flow. Sometimes, the best way to heal is to let your emotions out. Read more to learn about this coping strategy--->
November is a tough month for many—responsibilities stack up, days grow shorter, and stress levels rise. Statistics show that 41% of people say their stress levels rise during this time compared to other months. But, what can help us during this hard time? Well, while society often views crying as a sign of weakness, science tells a different story. In fact, crying can be incredibly beneficial during these challenging times. In a recent survey of 90% said they felt relief after crying, especially when under stress. Crying helps lower blood pressure, slows rapid breathing, and allows both body and mind to reset toward a calmer, more positive state. We don't cry because you're weak, but because we’ve been strong for too long. So, although crying might carry a stigma, it’s a natural and scientifically supported way to cope—let’s embrace it and break the stigma!
So, How Does Letting the Tears Flow Help us Admist the Chaos?
November Chaos: Understanding the Seasonal Stressors
November can be a particularly challenging month, with multiple stressors converging to create a perfect storm of anxiety and overwhelm. The holiday season, with its associated expectations and preparations, can add significant pressure. Coupled with the accumulation of work deadlines and personal commitments, November can feel like a relentless juggle.
The Silent Stigma: A History of Crying
Historically, crying has often been stigmatized, particularly for men. The phrase "big boys & girls don't cry" reflects a deeply ingrained societal belief that tears are a sign of weakness. However, this notion is fundamentally flawed. Crying is a natural human response to a wide range of emotions, from sadness and grief to joy and relief. Rather than a sign of weakness, crying can be a powerful tool for emotional release and healing. By allowing oneself to cry, individuals can process difficult emotions, reduce stress, and improve their overall mental well-being. Bottling up emotions, on the other hand, can lead to a host of negative consequences, including anxiety, depression, and physical health problems.
The Controversy: Is Crying Always Healthy?
While crying can be a beneficial coping mechanism, it's important to recognize that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Excessive or uncontrolled crying may indicate underlying mental health issues and should be addressed with professional help. It's important to consider other healthy coping strategies, such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist as well. A balance of strategies to use in the many unique situations we encounter daily is important!
3 Reasons for Why It's Okay to Let the Tears Flow:
Natural Stress Relief: Ever felt like you could cry a river? It turns out, there might be a good reason for that! When we’re overwhelmed, our bodies release stress hormones. Crying can actually help flush these out, leaving us feeling lighter and more relaxed.
Mood Booster: Naturally Crying can be a surprising pick-me-up. It triggers the release of endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. So, the next time you feel a good cry coming on, let it out. You might just feel better afterward.
Social Superpower: Tears aren’t just a physical response; they’re a powerful social signal. When we cry, we’re often reaching out for support. This can deepen our connections with others, making us feel less alone and more understood. Being vulnerable can help others feel less alone.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
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Looking for the perfect present to share with friends and family, or even yourself this HOLIDAY SEASON? Consider my Emotion Cards and Uplift Teens Today book! These gifts can help in the journey towards better mental health. Great thoughtful and kind gifts.
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