It’s natural to cry sometimes. Everyday occurrences like watching a sad movie or being criticized by a loved one can sometimes result in tears. There are also more significant life events that almost always bring tears, such as the death of a family member or breaking up with your significant other. Crying can often bring a sense of relief afterward. But do you find yourself having a crying spell on a regular basis? It may be a sign of major depressive disorder.

Research shows that, on average, women cry 5.3 times per month. Men cry approximately 1.3 times per month. Crying more than the average person doesn’t automatically mean that you have depression. It’s even natural to cry without a reason if you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. But understanding whether your frequent crying spells are a possible sign of depression can give you insight on if it’s time to seek mental health treatment.

We’ll talk about when frequent crying spells may be a sign of depression. Then we’ll discuss the next steps that you should take.

How to determine if your frequent crying spells are a sign of depression

If you cry every once in a while, you’re probably used to having a few tears roll down your cheeks, or perhaps sobbing for a minute or two when you just need to let it all out. But a crying spell is a bit more than that. 

A crying spell is usually defined as crying uncontrollably or without a discernible trigger. It may be a sign of depression if your crying spells are:

• Over nothing at all, or something small that usually wouldn’t upset you
• Unpredictable
• Difficult to stop
• Occurring on a frequent basis
• Interfering with your everyday activities, such as completing homework

Crying spells that stem from depression are often the result of common depression symptoms that can bring tears, such as overwhelming feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

While crying spells aren’t a symptom for a major depressive disorder diagnosis by the DSM-5-TR, they’re often used as an indicator in screening tools for depression.

It’s also important to note that crying without a reason can also be linked to other mental health conditions, such as complicated grief and anxiety disorders. When you’re experiencing pervasive worry, sadness or concern, symptoms can bubble up and manifest as crying without a trigger. A crying spell can also be triggered by an anxiety attack or as a side effect to medication.

What to do if you believe that you’re having frequent crying spells from depression

If you believe that you’re crying more than you’re used to, or you feel a frequent urge to cry, then it’s time to talk to your doctor. Bring up your concerns to your general practitioner for a potential diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

You should also book an appointment with your doctor if you’re experiencing other potential symptoms of depression, including:

• Lack of motivation
• Fatigue
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Pessimism about the future
• Lack of pleasure in activities you usually enjoy

Whether your frequent crying spells are a symptom of depression or are coming from feeling overwhelmed by life’s stressors and anxiety, therapy is one of the most effective types of support that you can explore. 

If you’re experiencing frequent crying spells, talking to a therapist can help you:

• Determine the cause of your negative emotions
• Talk through upsetting situations in your everyday life
• Adjust your perspective on life’s challenges
• Learn emotional regulation techniques
• Develop coping strategies and stress management techniques

If you are diagnosed with depression, or another mental health condition that’s contributing to your crying spells, you may also be treated with medication.

Lightfully U can help if you’re experiencing crying spells from depression

While it can feel good to let out tears that you try to hold back, you shouldn’t brush off instances where you’re crying for no reason or have a difficult time stopping, especially if it’s happening on a frequent basis. Crying spells are just one aspect of depression that can interfere with a college student’s everyday responsibilities, personal relationships and planning for postgraduation endeavors.

At Lightfully U, our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program can help you address and reduce your depression symptoms, such as the overwhelming sadness behind your crying spells. We offer a supportive, structured program that works with your busy schedule. It involves a variety of therapy dynamics, including virtual individual, family and group sessions.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.