You may have noticed that tears from grief feel different than other kinds of crying. Interestingly, there is scientific evidence behind this.

Researchers have found that emotional tears are chemically distinct from the tears your body produces for eye lubrication or in response to irritants like dust or onions and even those of joy. Emotional tears contain higher levels of stress-related hormones and proteins, including chemicals like prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and leucine enkephalin — a natural pain-modulating peptide that’s linked to stress relief. These substances aren’t as prominent in reflex tears and suggest that emotional crying isn’t just a response to feeling sad; it’s a biological process connected to our nervous system’s way of responding to deep emotions.

This difference is part of why crying during grief can feel cathartic: your body is literally releasing different chemicals in response to strong emotion, not just water and salt. While scientists are still learning exactly how this all fits together, these unique components help to explain why many people feel a sense of release, calm, or even physical relief after crying.

In other words, grief tears aren’t just tears; they’re part of how our bodies process big, meaningful emotions.

Be sure to let your tears flow and trust your healing journey!

References:

Frey, W. H. II. Crying: The Mystery of Tears. Winston Press, 1985.

Harvard Health Publishing. Is crying good for you? (2021).
American Academy of Ophthalmology. All About Emotional Tears.