Why can’t I cry?

[Beach2lion]

Anyone know what it means if a severely depressed suicidal person can’t cry? People assume you are OK but you’re not.

Because crying is a release of emotion and someone who is depressed and suicidal can't release emotion. Are you OK lovie? The Samaritans will always listen to you - 116 123.

Thanks for replying. I’ve been like that for decades though

Is it to do with being diassociated with your emotions? Personally having gone through trauma sometimes I will feel completely blank about it- as though it happened to someone else. I think it is a protective mechanism.

Yes, it could be a protective mechanism. I feel like punching walls sometimes.

I get this. Sometimes I’m afraid if I start I won’t be able to stop and I haven’t got the time to invest into it.

It’s hard to always put on a stoic face though. Hope you are ok @Icantbedoingwithit

I sort of have the opposite where I cry and cry and cry.

That must be difficult too. What reactions do you get?
I guess there are advantages to not showing any emotion.

It’s been about 5 years maybe since I gace cried properly and even that was controlled. I think if I lived alone it would help. Too many eyes in this house.

Are you taking antidepressants?

I was on sertraline for a few years and always felt flat, lacking in emotions and completely unable to cry.

I've now been on venlafaxine for a few years and I can feel my emotions again. Sometimes I feel sad and cry, but I can also feel happiness.

I do think thats better than bottled ng it up, at least there is release.

I am atm but haven’t been able to cry for decades

I'n on Fluoxetine and I feel very dissociated with any feelings.

It's coming up for two years since my Dad died, and I haven't shed a single tear, nor felt any sadness.

I know I won't cry or feel anything other than relief when my mother dies (horrible, controlling, emotionally abusive person) but it was different with my dad.

I feel nothing at all, don't miss him, don't feel any sadness at all.

I didn’t care when my dad died either but he was a nasty bit of work

I wouldn't recommend punching walls, but maybe you could try releasing your emotions through anger instead of tears?

Emotions are emotions. And releasing them is healthy. So heading to the gym and punching and kicking a punching bag? Not my cup of tea, but some people like scream therapy (would suggest somewhere less populated or very soundproof though!)

Exercise can be a form of release generally. Or listening to music that 'speaks to you', that could be orchestral or heavy metal. Or putting music on and dancing like a crazy person.

While tears can be healing, it just may not be right for you.