Does crying during a movie make you feel better?

[Brem]

I will admit, I am a cry baby when it comes to some movies. I notice that sometimes it's a bit relieving when you get a good cry out. It sometimes feels like a weight is lifted off of you. I think crying is very helpful, in that it allows you to just let it out. Sometimes letting out those feelings eases that depression a bit. With that being said, does crying during a movie help you? Does it make things better after getting that cry out?

 

[Shree]

Movies don't make me cry because they are fiction but I cry sometimes and it makes me feel good.

 

[Nomad]

I was raised in a culture where it was often reiterated that men don't cry and crying is a symptom of weakness. Because of my nurture, crying does not come easily to me while watching sad scenes on movies or TV shows, I do feel pain and I develop empathy but I don't cry. However, I sometimes cry when I am in pain (usually when I am along) and crying makes me feel good.

 

[Hazel]

For a lot of people, yes. Crying during a movie can feel like an emotional release, especially if you’ve been holding things in. It gives your feelings a safe outlet without needing to explain anything.

Afterwards, people often feel lighter or more relaxed, not because the problem is solved, but because the emotion has been expressed instead of bottled up.