Crying is a natural emotional response to stress, sadness, and sometimes joy. However, when it occurs excessively and seems uncontrollable, it could be an indication of a deeper issue, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one condition where this emotional expression can be significantly heightened. Understanding the link between excessive crying and PTSD can offer insights into the emotional and physiological impacts of trauma.
PTSD develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as violence, accidents, or abuse. While everyone responds differently to trauma, for many individuals, PTSD brings emotional dysregulation—where emotional responses become unpredictable or overwhelming. One common symptom is excessive crying, a manifestation of the body’s heightened state of arousal and distress. Research has shown that those with PTSD often experience an altered stress response. Their brain, particularly the amygdala (the region associated with emotional processing), becomes more reactive. This heightened reactivity can make it difficult to regulate emotions, leading to outbursts such as excessive crying. As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk notes in his book The Body Keeps the Score (and this is the person I've received training from): trauma survivors may experience an overwhelming flood of emotions that they feel incapable of controlling. Van der Kolk explains that this stems from a disconnection between the emotional brain and the rational brain, causing a person to feel as though they are constantly reliving traumatic experiences .
For many people with PTSD, crying can be a way the body attempts to release pent-up stress or emotional energy. The physiological response to crying, which includes the release of endorphins, can create a temporary sense of relief. But when the crying feels excessive, frequent, or uncontrollable, it can be another reminder of how trauma has taken hold of one’s emotional health. This can lead to feelings of frustration, shame, or helplessness—further complicating the individual’s healing journey. Interestingly, a study published in The Journal of Traumatic Stress highlights the complex relationship between emotional expression and trauma. Researchers found that people with PTSD, particularly women, were more likely to experience intense emotional outbursts, including crying episodes, as compared to those without the disorder. This study suggests that trauma fundamentally changes the way we process emotions, making emotional experiences more intense and harder to manage .
Because PTSD causes both emotional and physical dysregulation, addressing the body's role in these responses is critical. As an LCSW, I often incorporate somatic work to help clients tune into their physical responses to emotional triggers. For example, tension in the shoulders or tightness in the throat may accompany emotional release like crying. Working to release these physical manifestations of stress can provide relief and help clients feel more in control. Mindfulness and trauma-informed approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as a very specific technique/interventnion called the Developmenta Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS) can all be highly effective in regulating emotions. These practices emphasize awareness of emotional and physical states, helping clients notice their triggers and respond in ways that prevent overwhelming emotional outbursts. Encouraging clients to focus on their breathing, for example, is a simple way to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and create a sense of safety in their bodies, which can be crucial during moments of emotional overwhelm.
Excessive crying in the context of PTSD is not just a sign of sadness—it’s an indication of emotional dysregulation resulting from trauma. By understanding the body’s role in emotional responses and utilizing therapeutic techniques like somatic work, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy, those struggling with PTSD can begin to regain control over their emotions and find relief. Addressing both the emotional and physical impacts of trauma is essential for healing. If you or someone you know is experiencing overwhelming emotions related to PTSD, seeking professional support can make a significant difference in managing these symptoms and fostering emotional well-being.
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