Latest / WholeHeart Conversations / Why Crying Matters When Grief Feels Heavy
Transcript
- 0:00Constance Lavonice: If you're going through a season of grief or loss right now, or if the holiday season brings up feelings of grief and loss, don't be afraid to cry, because crying is therapeutic.
- 0:18Constance Lavonice: You're listening to Whole Heart Conversations, a podcast especially for women to receive biblical encouragement that fosters resilience through the practical application of God's word.
- 0:34Constance Lavonice: I'm your host, Constance Lavonice.
- 0:39Constance Lavonice: Some people view crying as a sign of weakness or believe that you shouldn't cry after a certain period of time has passed.
- 0:49Constance Lavonice: But there is no time frame for grief and loss, and tears are an expression of your love for what is no longer in your life.
- 1:02Constance Lavonice: Anyone who has ever experienced a significant loss knows that it can be emotionally overwhelming, but it also takes on a physical presence that can be suffocating, and crying can provide relief.
- 1:22Constance Lavonice: Tears are an expression of your love.
- 1:36Constance Lavonice: Research has shown that crying can help reduce stress and pain levels by releasing what we call feel-good neurotransmitters and hormones like oxytocin and endorphins.
- 1:53Constance Lavonice: So the next time you feel the urge to cry, cry.
- 1:59Constance Lavonice: Don't hold it in.
- 2:01Constance Lavonice: Release it.
- 2:03Constance Lavonice: It helps to relieve the emotional distress and the physical pain that goes along with it.
- 2:11Constance Lavonice: I realize that some are afraid that if they release the floodgates of tears and crying, that they won't be able to stop.
- 2:24Constance Lavonice: But you will. Another technique is to just schedule time to cry. That's something we do often in Mental health.