MEDICAL MISCELLANY

Why do I cry when I’m hurt? THIS type of crying — in response to negative feelings or pain — is due to the connections between the tear ducts and the areas of the brain involved with emotion, says Roger Knaggs, a professor in clinical pharmacy practice at Nottingham University, who specialises in pain management.

The brain programmes these ‘emotional tears’ as a way to release stress hormones, which build up when we’re in pain. Crying restores a normal balance.

‘When we hurt ourselves, the tears released when we cry contain stress hormones, so you are literally crying away the stress,’ says Professor Knaggs. ‘Tears also contain endorphins, t he body’s natural painkillers.’