8 situations in life where you should never feel ashamed to cry, according to a psychologist

I used to think crying was something to avoid—a sign that I wasn’t handling things well or that I needed to “toughen up.”
But over time, I’ve realized just how much crying does for us.
It’s not weakness; it’s a release, a way to process the big, sometimes overwhelming emotions that come with being human.
There are moments in life where tears aren’t just appropriate—they’re necessary.
They help us heal, connect, and sometimes even make sense of what we’re going through.
Let’s talk about eight of those moments, and why letting yourself cry is one of the strongest, most human things you can do.
1) Loss of a loved one
There’s no pain quite like losing someone we love.
It can leave us feeling like our world has been flipped upside down, and the grief can be overwhelming.
And that’s okay. It’s natural.
In these moments, crying is not a sign of weakness.
It’s a sign that we loved deeply and we’re mourning that loss.
As a psychologist, I’ve seen many individuals bottle up their emotions after a loss, thinking it’s the ‘strong’ thing to do.
But the truth is that it can damage your mental and physical health in the long run.
But in reality, allowing yourself to cry can be one of the most powerful ways to begin the healing process.
So if you’ve lost someone close, let the tears flow.
You’re not weak; you’re human. And it’s okay to grieve in your own way.
2) Overwhelming stress
We’ve all had those days when everything seems to go wrong, and the stress just piles on.
I remember one day in particular when I had a mountain of paperwork on my desk, a presentation to prepare for, and a family crisis to deal with at the same time.
By the end of the day, I was so overwhelmed that I could barely think straight.
And then, I did something that I hadn’t done in a long time. I let myself cry.
I felt the tension start to drain away as the tears flowed.
Crying didn’t solve my problems, but it gave me the release I needed to face them with a clearer mind.
In fact, research has proven that tears contain a number of stress hormones, so your body sees it as a way to physically free itself from stress.
So if you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, don’t be ashamed to let it out.
It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re dealing with a lot, and you’re doing your best to cope.
3) Physical pain
It’s not just emotional pain that can trigger tears.
Physical pain can also lead to crying, and there’s a scientific reason for that.
When we cry, our bodies release endorphins.
These are natural painkillers produced by our bodies, and they help to ease the discomfort.
So if you’re in physical pain, don’t be embarrassed to cry. It’s a natural response, and it might even help you feel better.
4) Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it’s a trait that makes us uniquely human.
Sometimes, we might find ourselves moved to tears by another person’s situation or experience, even if we haven’t experienced it ourselves.
This could be anything from a heartwarming story of kindness to a devastating news report.
Crying in these instances shows compassion, not weakness.
It shows that you’re capable of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and feeling what they’re going through.
So, if you find yourself crying out of empathy, don’t hold back.
It’s a beautiful expression of humanity that should never be suppressed.
5) Moments of joy
Not all tears are born out of pain or sadness.
Sometimes, they’re the product of overwhelming joy.
Think about the last time you were so happy, so moved by a moment of sheer bliss, that you found yourself crying.
Maybe it was at the birth of a child, during a reunion with a long-lost friend or family member, or perhaps at your own wedding.
These are moments of profound happiness that touch us deeply.
Tears in these situations are a response to experiencing something truly beautiful and life-affirming.
So if you find yourself shedding tears of joy, don’t hold them back.
Let them flow freely.
They’re a testament to the depth of your happiness and the beauty of the moment.
6) Feeling misunderstood
Have you ever felt so misunderstood that it brought you to tears? I have.
It was during a heated argument with a close friend.
No matter how hard I tried to explain my viewpoint, I felt like they just weren’t getting it.
The frustration and feeling of isolation was so intense, it brought tears to my eyes.
Crying in such situations isn’t a sign of defeat.
It’s a manifestation of our deep-seated desire to be seen, heard, and understood.
It’s okay to cry when you feel misunderstood. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it just means you’re human.
7) Saying goodbye
Goodbyes are never easy, especially when you’re parting ways with someone you care about deeply.
Whether it’s a friend moving away, or a relationship coming to an end, saying goodbye can stir up a whirlwind of emotions.
And often, these emotions find a way to express themselves through tears.
Crying during these times isn’t something to be ashamed of.
It’s a natural response to the heartache that accompanies farewells.
So the next time you’re saying goodbye and feel the tears welling up, don’t hold them back.
Let them flow. It’s your heart’s way of dealing with the pain of parting.
8) Overwhelming beauty
Sometimes, the world around us can take our breath away with its sheer beauty.
A stunning sunset, a piece of artwork that resonates deeply, or a piece of music that touches your soul – these moments of awe-inspiring beauty can often move us to tears.
These tears are a reflection of the profound impact that beauty can have on our senses and emotions.
It’s a deeply human response, a sign of our capacity to appreciate and be moved by the world around us.
So if you ever find yourself moved to tears by beauty, let them flow freely.
It’s perhaps the purest expression of being alive and being able to perceive and appreciate the world in all its splendour.
Final thoughts
Crying isn’t just something we do when we’re sad; it’s a way of being honest with ourselves.
It’s proof that we’re alive, that we feel things deeply, and that we’re connected to the people and experiences around us.
I’ve learned that those moments when the tears come—whether they’re from loss, joy, or even frustration—are some of the most honest reflections of who we are.
So, let those tears flow.
They’re not something to hide or be ashamed of; they’re a part of what makes us beautifully human.
Whether you’re grieving, celebrating, or simply overwhelmed, your tears tell a story that words can’t quite capture.
And in those moments, you’re not weak—you’re alive, present, and beautifully you.