Crying Spells Symptom: How to Know When to Seek Help

Types of Crying Spells

There are different types of crying spells, including:

• Emotional Crying: Caused by sadness, anger, or stress.
• Silent Crying: You cry without making noise; common in private or hidden emotions.
• Sudden Crying: Happens without any clear reason.
• Triggered Crying: Happens after hearing bad news, memories, or emotional moments.
• Pseudobulbar Crying: Caused by brain conditions, not emotions.

Causes of Crying Spells

Crying spells can happen due to:

• Emotional pain, like loss, heartbreak, or loneliness
• Mental health problems like depression
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
• Brain issues like stroke and multiple sclerosis.
• Long-term stress or burnout.

Conditions That Cause Crying Spells

Some health conditions that may lead to crying spells include:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Pseudobulbar affect (PBA)
• Neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease or ALS
• Grief or traumatic experiences
• Sleep disorders or extreme tiredness

Symptoms of Crying Spells

You may notice these signs:

• Frequent and uncontrollable crying
• Feeling tired or weak after crying
• Mood swings or sudden emotional outbursts
• Crying at small things that don’t usually affect you

When to See a Doctor?

See a doctor if:

• Crying happens daily or very often
• It interferes with your daily life or work
• You feel sad or anxious most of the time
• You have thoughts of hurting yourself
• You have other symptoms like confusion, memory loss, or mood changes

Diagnosis of Crying Spells

To find the cause of crying spells, a doctor may perform:

• Ask about your mental and physical health history.
• Perform a physical test and check your symptoms.
• Use questionnaires to assess mood disorders like depression or anxiety
• Recommend brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) if a neurological issue is suspected
• Refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist or psychiatrist for further tests

Treatment and Management of Crying Spells

Treatment depends on the cause. It may include:

• Therapy: Talking to a counselor or psychologist helps to manage emotions.
• Medicines: Antidepressants or drugs for PBA can reduce crying episodes.
• Support Groups: Talking to others who feel the same can help.
• Neurological Treatment: If it’s due to a brain issue, a neurologist can help.

Prevention of Crying Spells

While you can't always prevent crying spells, you can reduce their chances by:

• Managing stress and emotions regularly.
• Getting enough sleep and rest.
• Staying connected with loved ones.
• Avoiding emotional triggers when possible.
• Taking care of your mental and physical health.

Lifestyle Changes for Crying Spells

Making small changes in daily habits can improve emotional health:

• Exercise regularly: It helps boost your mood and reduce stress.
• Sleep well: Lack of sleep can worsen mood and increase crying spells.
• Talk about your feelings: Sharing your emotions with someone you trust can reduce emotional buildup.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These can affect your mood and brain function.
• Follow a routine: It gives a sense of control and reduces stress.

Home Remedies for Crying Spells

Some home remedies may help ease crying spells:

• Drink herbal teas like chamomile to feel calm
• Use essential oils like lavender to reduce stress.
• Take a warm bath to relax your body and mind.
• Listen to soft music or practice mindfulness.
• Spend time in nature or with pets.