Scary experience not being able to cry. Why?

[abc01]

Hello,

I am having these scary experiences where I am about to cry, my body goes through the motions. My face scrunches up,my throat catches and my body tenses. I feel it in the pit of my stomach.However the sobs don’t start and no tears fall,even when I WANT to cry. I am feeling massive emotions leading up to this crying.

Sometimes I am also crying and suddenly it just cuts off. And then nothing. Silence. I also feel guilt,confusion and remorse for this particular experience.

I feel so scared about it. Like I am broken. I do cry other times. So why can’t I cry in these moments?

I can’t find any articles or resources on this particular subject.

Thank you for any help or understanding.

ABC01

• This topic was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by abc01. Reason: Added an important emotion

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[VM-tulip56]

Hi ABC01,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this. It sounds very distressing, and it’s understandable to feel scared and confused about what’s happening.

I am not a professional but I can personally relate to your situation, so you are not alone…there is a chance there could be several reasons behind why your body is preparing to cry but then stopping abruptly. Sometimes, when emotions are very intense our bodies can almost ‘shut down’ as a defence mechanism. This might be why you feel like you’re about to cry but then it doesn’t happen. It could also be possible that your brain is trying to regulate your emotions in a way that prevents you from fully expressing them. This can happen for various reasons, including past experiences, stress, or how you’ve learned to cope with emotions over time.

I recommend exploring ways to cope with this feeling you are currently experiencing. Here are a few suggestions that could possibly help… Writing down your feelings in a journal can sometimes help release emotions. It can also provide insights into patterns or triggers that you might not have noticed. Practices like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help you become more in tune with your emotions and body responses. Sometimes talking to a friend or family member who understands can be very comforting. Sharing your experience with someone you trust might also help you feel less alone.

Lastly, talking to a mental health professional can help you explore these feelings and experiences more deeply. They can provide strategies to help you process and express your emotions. You are also more than welcome to talk to us at Griefline. You can call our helpline 1300 845 745 any time during our opening hours, 8 am and 8 pm AEST. You can also book a call via our website (https://griefline.org.au/) and we will call you at a time that suits you best. And the forums are also always available!

Remember, you are not broken. Our bodies and minds are complex, and emotions can sometimes manifest in unexpected ways. It’s important to be kind to yourself as you navigate through this.

Take care ABC01, I will be thinking of you.

[Author]

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