Crying Spells Management

Uncontrollable crying can be caused by pseudobulbar affect, also called emotional lability. There have been reports of this uncontrollable laughing or crying since the 19th century. Pseudobulbar affect is marked by laughing or crying that seems inappropriate to the environment or stimuli.

Crying spells can be a symptom of mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and loneliness. Hormonal changes and pregnancy, as well as neurological conditions stemming from pseudobulbar affect, can also involve crying spells.

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How long do crying spells last?

A newer study found that the average duration for a crying session was eight minutes. If you're concerned that you're crying too much, if you can't seem to stop crying, or have started crying more than usual, talk to your doctor. It may be a sign of depression or another mood disorder.

How to stop crying spells

Slow your breath.
Loosen your facial muscles and throat where you can get that lump.
Try smiling.
Push your tongue into the roof of your mouth.
Drink water.
Think of something mundane like a poem or recipe you know by heart to distract yourself.
Look at something soothing.

Crying is a normal emotional response to many different factors. However, frequent, uncontrollable, or unexplained crying can be emotionally and physically exhausting and can greatly affect daily life. This type of crying may result from a mental health condition, such as burnout, anxiety, or depression.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes uncontrollable crying spells?

Uncontrollable crying, often due to pseudobulbar affect or emotional lability, involves inappropriate laughter or tears triggered by stimuli. It can also signal mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, stress, grief, loneliness, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or neurological issues linked to pseudobulbar affect.

How long do crying spells typically last?

Studies suggest the average duration of a crying session is about eight minutes. Excessive or persistent crying could indicate underlying mood disorders like depression, warranting a consultation with a healthcare professional.

How can I stop crying spells?

To manage crying spells, practice slow breathing techniques, relax facial muscles and throat, try smiling, push your tongue against the roof of your mouth, drink water, think of mundane topics for distraction, and focus on calming visuals or environments to soothe emotions.