Why you sometimes cry for no reason

Crying is a normal part of being human. It can show how you feel, help release stress, or let others know you need support. It’s common to cry during big moments, like when you feel grief or joy.

But if you find yourself crying for no clear reason, you might wonder what it means. This article looks at why people cry, how crying can help you, and when it might be a sign of a mental health concern.

Why do people cry?

People cry for different reasons. Some are obvious — like weddings, funerals, sad music, or emotional books and movies. Others are less expected, like conflict, criticism, rejection, or personal failure.

Here are some common causes of tears:

• Communication: Babies cry to signal pain, hunger, or a need for attention. Even as adults, crying can show others we need support. Research shows people are more likely to offer comfort when they see someone crying.

• Emotional processing: Strong emotions like sadness, grief, joy, frustration, anger, empathy, or loneliness can all trigger tears. Low self-worth or feeling empty can also play a role.

• Mental health conditions: Frequent crying can be linked to depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. It may also be a sign you’re emotionally drained or stuck in a “funk.”

• Hormones: Hormone levels can affect how often someone cries. For example, higher testosterone levels may reduce crying, while hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy may increase it.

Dig deeper:

• Understanding anxious crying

• Trauma crying vs “normal” crying

• Why people cry when they get angry

Is crying healthy?

Crying can be healthy for your mind and body. The body makes three kinds of tears: basal tears (to keep eyes moist), reflex tears (to clear out irritants), and emotional tears.

Emotional tears are different. They carry stress hormones and release endorphins, which can ease pain and boost your mood.

Crying also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body relax. It can signal to others that you need comfort and build empathy.

Still, crying doesn’t always make people feel better. Research shows it helps most when you feel supported or when it helps you work through a problem. Crying in an unsupportive setting or due to feelings like shame may make you feel worse instead.

Why do I sometimes cry for no reason?

On average, women cry five times per month, and men cry once per month. Another study found that women cry approximately 30 to 64 times per year, compared with up to 17 times per year for men. That same study found that the average cry session lasts six minutes for women and two to four minutes for men. The important thing to remember is that these are just averages, and there are various reasons that someone may cry more than the average person. It is also important to note that trans and nonbinary people may not fall into these averages.

For example, having a hormonal imbalance, high levels of stress, or an insecure attachment style can lead to more frequent tears. Cultural and social factors can also influence a person’s crying habits. One study found that people who live in countries with greater social resources and freedom of expression tend to cry more often.

On the other hand, in cultures with gender norms that discourage men from showing emotion, men may be less likely to cry. This is because tears can be seen as a sign of weakness instead of a healthy, normal human response to emotion. Keep in mind that no amount of crying is right or wrong; it all depends on how you feel overall.

When is crying a sign of a mental health condition?

Hormones, life circumstances, and attachment styles all affect how often a person cries. There’s no single “normal” amount, but crying every day may point to unresolved grief, ongoing stress, or other personal challenges.

In some cases, frequent unexplained tears can be a sign of a mental health condition like depression or an anxiety disorder. If crying often feels uncontrollable or is getting in the way of daily life, it may help to talk with a mental health professional for support.

Why do you feel sad for no reason?

If you’re still not sure why you’re feeling sad or have been prone to tears lately, here are a few things to consider.

• Are there any hidden stressors in your life? This can be something as simple as an increase in social media use, a change in living conditions, or workplace tension.

• Have you noticed any signs of anxiety or depression? An accurate diagnosis requires working with a mental health professional, but these online screening tools may help start the conversation.

• What’s going on with your hormones? If you’ve been experiencing mood swings and excessive crying, ask a health professional if something physiological might be the cause. It could relate to a hormone imbalance or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

• Have you been prioritizing your needs? Sometimes, sadness is a sign that something is missing in your life, like quality sleep, time with friends, or a creative outlet.

If you’re experiencing feelings of sadness or hopelessness that won’t go away, consider meeting with a therapist or other mental health professional. Talk therapy is an effective tool for addressing difficult emotions, identifying sources of stress or sadness, and developing healthy coping methods to help you feel your best.

Coping strategies for crying 

If you find yourself crying often, these strategies can help you feel more in control of your emotions:

• Pause and breathe: Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system when tears start.

• Name your feelings: Gently identify what you’re feeling (sad, lonely, frustrated) to reduce emotional intensity.

• Practice grounding: Focus on your senses — notice five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.

• Journal your thoughts: Writing down your emotions can help release tension and reveal patterns or triggers.

• Move your body: Light exercise, like stretching or walking, can lower stress and boost your mood.

• Reach out for support: Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for understanding and comfort.

These small steps can help you manage emotional overwhelm and remind you that your feelings are valid — and you don’t have to face them alone.

Clinician's take

When you find yourself crying for no reason, it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It’s your mind’s way of saying it’s carrying more than it can hold, and asking for a little extra care.

Brandy Chalmers, LPC

Clinical reviewer

Find care with Rula

Everyone cries, and some people cry more than others. But if you’ve noticed that you or a loved one are struggling with sadness or other overwhelming emotions, consider meeting with a mental health professional.

Whether you’re thinking about restarting therapy or seeking mental health support for the first time, Rula can help. Rula makes it easy to find a therapist who is in network with your insurance, is accepting new patients, and can help you identify the root cause of your tears. With our teletherapy platform, you can schedule an appointment and be seen from the comfort of your home as soon as tomorrow.