Tom Hollenstein
Jul 22, 2017 · 1 min read

While the mental health community attempts to battle stigma, it will be a long time before these more fundamental functions will be de-stigmatized. Your perspective goes a long way in de-stigmatizing crying. Thank you.

A second point is the observation that, while I can confirm your basic down-up cycle, if the period of descent (selfishness on your graphic) is extended, then the post-crying phase can be long. I have had full day crying “hangovers” that may be akin to your 30 minute egg eating daze. Perhaps the recovery period is directly proportional to the time of descent?

Finally, strangely enough, I am an emotion researcher and I can attest to the minuscule attention that crying gets in the field. It is difficult, if not unethical, to induce in the lab, and is still one of our private moments. Still, it is exactly these most basic human functions that most need our understanding. My suggestion to readers is that if you see a call for study participants on crying, volunteer!

Tom Hollenstein

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Developmental psychologist researching emotions and mental health trying to translate the science for mass audience & think about food/music: tomhollenstein.com