Does anyone do planned crying to help their mental health??

[tubspreciousthings]

This sounds odd, I've not felt to be a problem but now I'm starting to wonder...

Since having children I'm way more emotional (mainly at home, not work) than before, even moreso after a few traumatic events.

I cry at stuff on the tv all the time - it actually makes me feel better! We've had people over during Christmas so there's been no crying at the tv (or other opportunities) and I realise I feel really stressed that I've not had this release.

Has anyone else experienced this? Am I depressed/anxious/odd? Should I be concerned??

I do this!!! Not scheduled or planned, but I need the release of a sad film / book to cry and it's so cathartic!!

Sounds normal to me. When I had a stressful time a few years back (preg with dd1, do was very unwell and I was his carer, plus the only earner) I would hold everything together for real life dramas, then watch a weepy film and let it all come out. Or sometimes (generally in the car when I had privacy) I would think through the things I was worried about, have a big cry, and then be able to put on a brave face and go on with my life.

I think it's a coping strategy.

A therapist told me that crying releases serotonin and oxytocin in the brain. Or something. So when you need those chemicals, you need to cry (or get them somewhere else)
Which explained a LOT about me.

I can feel when I need the release of s good cry and back in the day (pre Child) I would have specific books/songs/films/episodes of box sets that I could go to and guarantee crying.

It’s not such a big deal now that I’ve got a son because I sob at the slightest thing these days so there’s not so much of a build up.

Phew - thank you! That's really helpful to know it's not just me.

Wow, I hadn't thought of this before. I have a few films that I always cry at (No matter how many times I watch them). I 'have to be in the mood' to watch them though.
Interesting.

I do this!!! Not scheduled or planned, but I need the release of a sad film / book to cry and it's so cathartic!!

Same, I taught my kids to do it too, when they've had an upsetting time with friendships or boyfriend/girlfriend problems I remind them to go watch a sad film to let it all out.

I provoke a cry.

I can't not sob if I put 3 specific songs on in a row.

If I can feel the emotional tension building I'll pick a good time for a speedy release, play the songs, cry and it's like a reset button.

I'm basically a human volcano deliberately squirting a discreet stream of lava occasionally at times when nobody will notice. To avoid a big, destructive, uncontrolled spouting all in one go that will leave all in the vicinity freaking out.