How Long is it Unhealthy to Cry? Understanding the Limits

Well, if you’ve ever found yourself in a moment of overwhelming emotion, you probably know what it’s like to just let it all out with tears. Honestly, I’ve been there. Crying feels like a natural release, but after the tears stop, there’s that lingering question—how long is it actually unhealthy to cry? Is there a limit? And when does it stop being a healthy emotional release and start becoming a red flag?

In this article, we’re going to break it down, but first, I want to share something personal. I’ve had my share of emotional breakdowns, and after a particularly tough time a few years ago, I found myself crying for what felt like hours. It was therapeutic, in a way, but also... draining. I remember wondering, “How long is too long? Am I damaging myself by crying this much?” That moment stuck with me, and I began digging into how crying affects the body and mind. And let me tell you, the answer isn’t as simple as “crying is always good or bad.”

The Emotional Release: Crying as a Natural Response

First off, it’s important to know that crying is totally normal and actually healthy in many ways. It’s your body’s response to emotional stress, grief, happiness, frustration—anything that overwhelms the brain or your emotions. Crying is one of the ways we release pent-up emotions and process tough feelings. Sometimes, it’s just the thing you need to feel lighter, to release that heavy weight you’ve been carrying.

In fact, research shows that crying can have a cathartic effect, which helps your body release stress hormones. But, and here’s the tricky part—how long can this go on before it starts to have negative effects? That's where it gets a little complicated.

When Does Crying Become Unhealthy?

Honestly, the line between healthy crying and unhealthy crying is pretty thin. Crying for a short burst, like when you're grieving or going through something painful, is normal. But when crying becomes prolonged, frequent, or even uncontrollable, it may signal a deeper emotional issue that needs attention.

Here’s the thing: crying itself doesn’t necessarily harm you. In fact, some studies suggest that emotional tears contain higher levels of stress hormones, meaning that crying can actually help lower your stress levels. But, if you're crying for hours on end, especially without finding relief or resolving the underlying emotional cause, it could be a sign of something like depression or anxiety. At this point, it's not the crying that's unhealthy, but rather the emotional distress causing it.

So, How Long Is Too Long?

I remember asking my therapist this question once—how long is it okay to cry before I should start worrying? The answer was eye-opening. Generally, crying for a short period of time, say 20 to 30 minutes, is perfectly normal. It can help you feel emotionally unburdened and is often a form of self-regulation.

But if you find yourself crying for hours or frequently throughout the day, that’s when it might be time to check in with yourself or seek help. Constant crying can lead to physical exhaustion, dehydration, and muscle tension. Plus, it can contribute to emotional burnout and make it harder to focus or handle everyday tasks. Your emotional well-being could take a hit, especially if there’s no outlet for understanding or resolving what’s causing the tears.

I once had a friend who would cry every time a stressful situation came up at work—this went on for weeks. Eventually, it wasn’t the crying itself that was the issue, but rather the fact that she wasn't addressing the root cause of her stress, which was a toxic work environment. Once she left the job, she stopped crying so much, and things improved significantly.

What Happens If You Cry Too Much?

If you cry excessively without finding resolution, a few things can happen. First, there’s the emotional fatigue. Crying uses up your energy, and if you're constantly drained, it might affect your daily life. Secondly, there’s a physical toll: tears can lead to sore eyes, headaches, and even dehydration if you’re crying too much.

I know, you’re probably thinking, “But why does it feel so good to cry?!” And you’re right—it does feel good in the moment. But prolonged crying without emotional relief can leave you feeling worse. It’s a cycle that might be hard to break. Think of it like running a marathon without training; eventually, your body and mind will get worn out.

When Should You Seek Help?

If you’re crying frequently or for extended periods, and it’s affecting your ability to function in daily life, it might be time to reach out for support. I’ve personally had moments when I thought I could just “power through” my emotions, but eventually, I realized I needed help to manage the root cause.

A therapist, counselor, or even a close friend can help you process those emotions and find healthier outlets. Sometimes, crying is just the first step toward healing. But if the tears keep flowing, it might be a sign that it’s time to address deeper issues like depression, grief, or unresolved trauma.

The Bottom Line

So, how long is too long to cry? There’s no clear-cut answer. A short cry—totally normal. Crying for hours without feeling better? That might be a red flag. It’s not about the tears themselves, but about how they reflect your emotional state. If you find yourself crying frequently or uncontrollably, don’t be afraid to seek help or take a moment to self-reflect on what might be causing it.

I’ve been there, and I know that crying can be a relief. But when it turns into an endless cycle, it's worth asking for guidance. Take care of yourself, and remember, it's okay to cry—but it's also okay to ask for help when you need it.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.