In Need of A Good Cry: Why Letting It Out Is Good for The Soul
TV Scenes That Are A Guaranteed Tearjerker
Welcome to The Media Room—where I dive into the themes behind the movies, shows, and media we love.
The first time I got into a fight, I was in eighth grade, and it was because a girl in my class called me a crybaby. We were in the midst of an argument, and I could feel the rage boiling over inside me. The tears I was trying to suppress burst out like a dam, and before I knew it, I was crying in a fit of rage. She began to tease and antagonize me—little did she know, when I'm angry and crying, that means my rage is at 1000, and all hell is about to break loose. That's exactly what happened when my fists started swinging. After that day, everyone in school knew that if Minaa was angry and crying—don't mess with her.
As an empath, I feel emotions deeply and am highly attuned to others' feelings—a trait I've had since childhood. Being an emotional container for so many feelings means eventually needing release, and crying is my way of letting go when I'm overwhelmed or in despair. During these vulnerable moments, some friends have told me I cry too much, while others frantically try to "fix" the situation—shoving tissues at me and rushing me to package away my emotions. Not everyone is comfortable with tears, and these same people often struggle to support others during intense emotional moments.
I've known one of my best friends for nearly fifteen years, and I've only seen her cry twice in our entire friendship. For her, crying triggers deep shame and embarrassment; for me, crying is simply a release. It's like taking a deep breath after holding your head underwater for hours.
Whether you cry on a friend's shoulder or hide in the bathroom with the water running to mask your sniffles, there's a special kind of magic in a good cry. It's that moment when the dam breaks and all your bottled-up emotions pour out—leaving you feeling lighter, clearer, and surprisingly peaceful. For many, crying carries an unnecessary stigma, often perceived as a sign of weakness, frailty, or loss of control. Societal expectations, particularly those demanding men and women to "be strong," have taught us to suppress our tears rather than embrace them. But here's the truth: crying isn't just natural—it's profoundly beneficial for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Let’s unpack the power of crying, celebrate the tearjerkers that move us, and reframe crying as a cathartic and spiritual practice.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Crying
Crying is one of the body’s natural mechanisms for processing emotions, and its benefits are as real as they are numerous:
Stress Relief: Emotional tears contain stress hormones like cortisol. When you cry, these hormones are released, which helps reduce tension and restore emotional balance.
Emotional Regulation: Crying allows you to process emotions rather than suppress them. This act helps prevent emotional buildup, which can manifest as irritability, anxiety, or even physical ailments.
Connection and Empathy: Crying in the presence of others fosters intimacy and understanding. Research in psychology shows that tears signal vulnerability, inviting compassion and strengthening bonds.
Detoxification: Tears also flush out toxins from your body, offering both a literal and metaphorical cleansing experience.
Mood Boosting: Crying stimulates the production of endorphins—the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—helping you feel better after a good sob session.
Improved Sleep and Mental Clarity: Studies suggest that crying can calm your nervous system, reducing the fight-or-flight response and promoting relaxation, which often leads to better sleep.
Despite these benefits, many of us hesitate to let the tears flow. This shame stems from societal conditioning. Men are told to “man up,” while women are often dismissed as overly emotional. But crying isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of humanity. It’s time to shed the shame and reclaim crying as an act of strength and self-care.
Are you comfortable crying in front of people you have close relationships with? Do you ever feel a deep sense of shame and embarrassment when crying in front of others?
The Tearjerkers That Open the Floodgates
Sometimes, we need a little nudge to release those pent-up tears, and movies and TV shows are perfect catalysts. Here are three unforgettable scenes that are guaranteed to make your eyes well up and your heartache:
1. Episode 3 of The Last of Us
Dubbed "Long, Long Time," this episode tells the tender love story of Bill and Frank amidst the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world. It's a tale of survival, connection, and choosing love despite the odds. I've never cried so much while watching a TV series. This episode is more than emotionally moving—it's a masterclass in exploring the complex layers of ambiguous loss and how deeply we're wired for love, care, and connection. The scene of their final meal together, their vulnerable declarations of love, and their mutual decision to depart this life together strikes a deep chord. It's a poignant reminder of the beauty of love and the inevitability of loss, making it impossible to hold back tears.
2. Episode 7 of From Scratch
From Scratch is already a masterclass in emotional storytelling, but episode seven is when you'll need to grab a box of Kleenex, your favorite snack, and put your phone on DND to fully immerse yourself in the raw emotions. Watching Amy lie with her love as he takes his last breath feels like a punch to the gut—you can't help but mourn with her and experience the depths of pain, grief, and sorrow. In the season finale, watching Amy cope while finding strength for their daughter is devastating yet inspiring. The layered emotions—love, loss, resilience—are a testament to the human spirit and the profound impact of shared lives.
3. A Man Called Otto
Tom Hanks shines in this deeply moving story about a grumpy widower whose life changes when he forms an unlikely friendship with his new neighbors. Otto’s journey from isolation and grief to connection and hope is beautifully captured. The flashbacks of his late wife, coupled with his eventual embrace of life again, remind us of the healing power of community and kindness.
These scenes don’t just tug at your heartstrings—they offer a safe space to feel deeply and let go. They validate the complexity of human emotions and remind us that it’s okay to not always be okay.
What’s a movie or TV show that always makes you cry, and why do you think it impacts you so deeply?
Reframing Crying as a Cathartic, Spiritual Practice
If you’ve ever emerged from a good cry feeling clearer and lighter, you’ve experienced its cathartic effects. Crying is a release—a way to cleanse your spirit and honor your humanity. Think of it as emotional yoga: stretching and releasing tension from parts of your soul that you didn’t even realize were tight.
Here are some ways to reframe crying:
Shift the Narrative: Crying isn’t weakness; it’s resilience. It’s a sign that you’re brave enough to face your emotions.
Create a Safe Space: Whether it’s watching a tearjerker or journaling your thoughts, set aside time to connect with your emotions without judgment.
See It as Connection: Crying builds empathy and reminds us we’re never alone in our experiences. Sharing tears with others can foster deep, meaningful bonds.
Embrace Its Spirituality: Tears can be a form of prayer, a way of surrendering what no longer serves you and inviting healing.
Next time you feel the tears welling up, don’t suppress them. Let them flow freely, knowing that each tear is a step toward emotional freedom and renewal. Whether you’re crying through a Netflix binge or simply processing life’s complexities, you’re nurturing your well-being in a way that’s as raw as it is beautiful.
So, grab the tissues, press play, and let it all out!
What themes from this piece resonated with you? Leave a comment and stay tuned for Friday’s email: Reflect & Release!
I'm in such a state that the friggin' LAIBACH cover of "I Want to Know What Love Is" gets the tears going. I'm sure the Foreigner OG (not Heart? I thought it was Heart?) would do the job just as well.
Maybe because 9 years later I realize I was married (legally, probably not sacramentally?) but maybe we didn't actually love each other that much? I don't know, maybe someday I'll feel ok about writing about it more.