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Can't cry anymore

2 replies

Greytshakes · 14/02/2023 21:53

I used to be able to have a 'good cry' and release sadness that way. I can't anymore. Could it be age/hormones ? I'm late 40s. The only thing that brings up tears is being disrespected or humiliated - so I guess anger - but that is like once every six months, max. Quite a lot of bad things have happened in the past 10 years. Could I just be numbed out ? I don't feel depressed exactly. More like anxiety / paranoia. Not sure if I "need help" or not. Sorry, bit of a ramble. Just wondering if anyone has experience of the tears drying up and not being sure if that's a good thing.

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TreesAtSea · 15/02/2023 13:19

I'm mid-50s, post menopause and the same. I assume it's due to no longer being on the hormonal treadmill. I used to cry very easily, though hardly ever in front of other people.

I honestly can't remember the last time I cried. I do remember some years back getting very upset at being badly treated by a neighbour, in a way that felt humiliating and plain unfair, a bit like you mention.

I can still tear up if, for instance, a terrible news story catches me unawares, though that's usually only when I'm very tired or need to eat.

I wondered too if it's a case of being all cried out, as I went through an horrendous time around a decade ago, with three close family bereavements.

My life isn't better than it used to be, so it's not that, though I do feel much better in myself now that I'm past menopause.
As to whether to seek help, I don't think not crying is a problem, but you say you're anxious so perhaps it might be worth having a chat with your GP.

Greytshakes · 16/02/2023 19:38

thank you @TreesAtSea it was kind of you to reply. I'm glad it isn't just me, and also glad to hear that you feel better past menopause.

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