Why Do I Feel Like Crying for No Reason?

Sometimes, we can feel like we’re on the brink of tears for seemingly no reason at all. It often makes us wonder if there's a deeper issue that we aren’t aware of. 

Even if you don't know why you feel like crying, there’s usually a reason. A number of factors that we aren’t completely aware of influence how we feel.

To better understand why we cry for seemingly no reason, let’s look at what happens when we cry, and how different mental health struggles can lead to unconscious wells of emotions.

Why Do We Cry? Different Tears for Different Reasons

It might not sound true, but we cry differently depending on what’s making us tear up. The two main types of tears are reflexive and emotional.

Reflexive Tears

We produce reflexive tears to wash irritants from our eyes. Reflexive tears are an automatic response to external stimuli, like smoke or onion fumes. They’re also a response to internal functions, yawning or vomiting. 

Emotional Tears

Emotional tears are different from reflexive tears—both in chemical composition and what causes them. Scientists have determined that emotional tears contain proteins and hormones that aren’t found in other types of tears. Some experts believe that these chemicals are used to soothe us, while other experts believe they are used to give us empathy. 

Emotional tears, as the name suggests, are the result of intense emotions. These emotions can include:

• Pain
• Anger 
• Stress 
• Fear
• Anxiety

At times, it can be difficult to identify our emotions and determine how we are feeling. Even when we are unaware of these emotions, they can cause us to cry unexpectedly. 

Crying from Psychological Distress

Psychological distress can have serious implications for your mental health and emotional well-being. Common sources of psychological distress include: 

• Grief—intense sadness after a loss can cause long-term emotional pain
• Burnout—continuous exhaustion makes it difficult to regulate emotions
• Trauma—traumatic experiences have a lasting effect on our emotional well-being
• Stress—prolonged stress can lead to heightened emotions and emotional outbursts

The emotional harm caused by psychological distress can make us cry for seemingly no reason. Seeking treatment for any form of psychological distress you’re experiencing can help you regulate your emotions and prevent the sudden urge to cry. 

Talking About Emotions Can Lead to Crying

It’s normal to feel like crying when you are discussing troubling topics. This can be during an argument, when you're delivering or receiving bad news, or when you’re discussing traumatic experiences during therapy. Crying helps us express strong emotions and convey empathy to others. 

Sometimes, we can feel like crying in typical social situations or during mundane conversations. This can be a sign that you’re struggling with a deeply-rooted issue that’s triggering a strong emotional response. 

Crying from Hormone Fluctuations

Hormones are chemicals in our bodies that regulate many physiological processes. When hormones fluctuate or become unbalanced, they can cause mood swings and uncontrollable crying. 

Sometimes hormones can fluctuate due to medical issues, unhealthy lifestyles, or medication. Hormone fluctuations can also occur as a natural bodily process, such as during puberty, menstruation, or menopause. 

Mental Health Disorders That Can Lead to Crying Unexpectedly

There are multiple mental health disorders that can cause you to suddenly cry. Some of these mental health disorders include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

In addition to mental health disorders, there are a few neurological disorders that can cause unexplained crying. These neurological disorders, such as pseudobulbar affect (PBA), are extremely rare compared to mental health disorders. 

Anxiety Can Be Soothed With Tears

Anxiety makes people feel overwhelmed or exhausted, and this can eventually lead to crying. Even when you might not necessarily want to cry, you may shed tears as an automatic response to anxiety.

Crying helps us soothe anxiety by releasing pent-up tension and emotions. This is why we normally feel better after crying. If you are in a safe space to express your emotions by crying, it is often better to cry than to try to suppress your emotions further. 

Read our related guide to discover the symptoms of crippling anxiety and how it can be treated.

How to Stop Crying for No Reason

Crying unexpectedly happens to almost everyone from time to time. If it’s interfering with your life or you notice a pattern, it’s time to talk to a mental health professional. 

Crying for no reason is a symptom of a mental health struggle. The right treatment team will work with you to find the root cause of your distress, and then create a treatment plan so you can live a happy and healthy life.

In many cases, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help someone regulate their emotions. Those whose dysregulation stems from trauma may benefit from somatic experiencing or other kinds of trauma therapy.

Experience Emotional and Mental Well-Being at Sequoia Behavioral Health

At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we can help you achieve emotional wellness by treating the root of your mental health issues. No matter what’s causing you emotional harm, we are your partners in your mental health journey. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, reach out to one of our mental health experts today. Our treatment plans are personalized to accomplish your mental health goals.

Even if our treatment options aren’t the right fit for you, we can help you find a mental health provider that’s better suited for your needs.  

Contact us today.