Silvia Severino, psychologist: “Crying isn’t weakness - it’s a sign of psychological strength”
The psychology expert notes that crying helps process complex emotions and releases accumulated stress. “It is a sign of healthy emotional regulation.”
For a long time, society has associated crying with weakness. Phrases such as “don’t cry,” “be strong,” or “hold it in” have reinforced the idea that expressing emotions, especially through tears, is a sign of fragility. However, modern psychology and human experience show the opposite. Crying is a manifestation of strength, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.
Psychologist Silvia Severino also emphasizes this idea in one of her educational videos on social media, where she explains that people who cry over small things are not weak but quite the opposite. “Crying is not weakness; it is psychological strength,” she says.
“Although many believe it is a sign of weakness, science says otherwise. Crying helps process complex emotions and releases accumulated stress. It is a sign of healthy regulation, emotional intelligence, and a genuine connection with your feelings. In addition, people who cry frequently tend to be more resilient and adapt better to change,” she adds.
A natural response
Crying is a natural response of the body to intense emotions such as sadness, joy, relief, or even frustration. It is not an irrational or uncontrolled act, but a biological mechanism that helps release emotional tension. When a person cries, the nervous system begins to regulate itself, reducing stress and promoting a calmer state. In this sense, crying does not destabilize; it restores balance.
From the perspective of emotional intelligence, crying is a tool for self-regulation. People who allow themselves to cry often have a greater ability to identify their emotions, understand them, and process them in a healthy way. Constantly suppressing tears, on the other hand, can lead to accumulated stress, anxiety, or even psychosomatic issues.
It is also important to highlight the social value of crying. Tears can foster connection, empathy, and support. When someone expresses vulnerability, they open the door to more authentic and meaningful relationships. Far from being a sign of incapacity, crying communicates trust and humanity, reminding us that we are not alone in our emotions.
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