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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask how to stop yourself from crying

60 replies

Threefullskips · 29/10/2025 19:23

Just that really. Does anyone have any tips to halt tears? I can't be the only one who sometimes gets overwhelmed and can't stop tears flowing involuntarily in public. Distract myself mentally, pinch myself, tongue roof of mouth, please share any discreet tips you have!!

OP posts:
Spookygoose · 29/10/2025 19:35

I’ve always pinched my arm really hard (I know you mentioned that though) the pain distracts me. It’s not healthy to keep tears in though, it causes stress to build up in your body, feels so much better to let them out. If you’re having a hard time could you build in more alone time to just be by yourself and chill out (and have a good cry). Take a bit of time off work etc?

TheZanyZebra · 29/10/2025 19:35

Threefullskips · 29/10/2025 19:31

I'm not sure how normal it is either, but I assume most people just have ways of dealing with it

I can't really remember times when I felt like crying in public, so frankly, I don't deal with it, it just doesn't happen.

ScrambledEggs12 · 29/10/2025 19:33

Not something I'd recommend unless you have mental health issues. But anti-depressants make it very difficult for me to cry. I really wish I could sometimes though!

Zempy · 29/10/2025 19:33

That sounds excessive and rather unusual. Have you always been like this or is it more recent behaviour?

NamechangerGchangerame · 29/10/2025 19:32

Threefullskips · 29/10/2025 19:23

Just that really. Does anyone have any tips to halt tears? I can't be the only one who sometimes gets overwhelmed and can't stop tears flowing involuntarily in public. Distract myself mentally, pinch myself, tongue roof of mouth, please share any discreet tips you have!!

Are you ND? Only asking as I am and I can be a crier. I'm a silent crier thankfully 😅

Threefullskips · 29/10/2025 19:31

BuffetTheDietSlayer · 29/10/2025 19:30

It’s not normal to frequently cry in public.

What’s causing you to cry?

I'm not sure how normal it is either, but I assume most people just have ways of dealing with it

OP posts:
Threefullskips · 29/10/2025 19:31

Zempy · 29/10/2025 19:28

How often are you breaking down into uncontrollable tears in public?

I'm not bawling my eyes out, my eyes get wet and tears fall if I don't stop them. I'm otherwise fighting hard to stay composed and actually do, I'm just wiping my eyes a lot.

Sometimes I'm fine for a month, other times it's a couple of times a week

OP posts:
BuffetTheDietSlayer · 29/10/2025 19:30

It’s not normal to frequently cry in public.

What’s causing you to cry?

Lelophants · 29/10/2025 19:30

It’s best to let them come tbh! If it’s frequent then you may need some help?

Zempy · 29/10/2025 19:28

How often are you breaking down into uncontrollable tears in public?