I cannot cry

I have been having a terrible year.
I want to cry , I tried and tears came . But within 3 to 5 mins , I stopped.
I want to cry but I cannot ! Went to watch the Thai movie - Grandma - but unable to cry for long while that I would like to.

But I tears easily … the tears just came abd dried up …

I feel sad but I cant cry .

Hey @user22092024 :wave: Your worry is vey relatable, and I’m not sure about you, but sometimes I feel like crying would be able to help me “factory reset” my mind and body and have a fresh start. Sometimes I even feel relieved.

Have you heard of the law of reversed effort? It states that “the harder we try with the conscious will to do something, the less we shall succeed.”

In times like you’re currently facing, just like other natural human abilities (crying, sleeping, sneezing), it’s possible that keeping your mind occupied on other things ironically wills you to achieve what you hope to do. My advice would be don’t be too stressed over not being able to cry, and the tears might come more easily.

That aside, here’s some movies that made me cry harder than the grandma movie. (Once again, take it as just watching a movie, not as a way to help you cry):

  • Miracle is Cell No. 7
  • Along with the Gods
  • Bridge to Terabithia

Hang in there :muscle: Remember to take breaks to recharge yourself, and surround yourself with things and people that protect your happiness and peace.

Hi @user22092024 ,

Thank you again for sharing your experience. I want to invite you to think of your tears not just as an emotional release, but as a person—a companion inside you, waiting for the right moment to come out. Imagine your tears as a little figure, maybe shy, maybe overwhelmed by what you’re going through. They want to come out, but they’re not sure if it’s safe, or if now is the right time.

Meeting Your Tears Where They Are:

How would you approach this person—your tears—if they were standing in front of you? They are knocking at the door of your heart, asking for a way out, but they’re not quite sure if they’re welcome. What could you do to show them that they are safe to come out whenever they need to?

You could imagine sitting with them, listening gently, and saying, “It’s okay to come out when you’re ready. I’m here for you, and you don’t have to rush.” Sometimes, when we give our emotions the space to breathe and trust that they can come out in their own time, they feel more comfortable showing up fully.

Creating a Space for Your Tears:

Maybe your tears are hesitant because they’re not sure if they have the space to express themselves fully. Is there a time in your day where you could create a safe, quiet place for them to come out? Maybe it’s after watching a movie like you did with Grandma or while listening to a piece of music that touches your heart. In this space, you’re telling your tears, “It’s okay to be here. You don’t have to hide. I’m ready to listen.”

What would it feel like to create a moment where you invite them out, without forcing them? They might start with a single drop, and that’s okay—sometimes they need to feel a little more freedom before they can flow naturally.

Understanding Why They’re Hesitant:

Your tears might be unsure about coming out because they’ve been held back for a long time. Sometimes, when we’ve been through difficult times or held back our emotions, our tears need to learn how to trust us again. Can you think of any moments in your life where your emotions have been blocked or held back? Maybe your tears need to hear from you that it’s okay to be vulnerable and to express what you’ve been holding in.

Perhaps saying to your tears, “I know it’s been hard for you to come out, but I’m here for you now. You’re welcome here, and I’ll give you the time and space you need,” could help.

Letting Go of Expectations:

Sometimes, our tears might feel pressured to show up in a big way—to pour out and stay for a long time—but they don’t always work like that. What if you told them, “You don’t have to be big or dramatic. Even if you just show up for a minute or two, that’s enough for me.” This could help ease the pressure and allow them to flow more naturally.

By letting go of any expectation about how long they should stay, you’re giving your tears the freedom to come and go as they need.


Final Thought: Your tears are a part of you, but they need your permission to flow freely. They want to be heard, but they’re waiting for the right moment to feel safe and welcomed. How would it feel to sit with them, give them space, and remind them that they’re not a burden? Maybe they’ll come out in a small way today, and maybe tomorrow they’ll come out a bit more. Either way, they’re yours, and they’ll show up when they’re ready.

What do you think your tears might need from you right now to feel safe enough to come out?