Ascension Counseling & Psychological Services

04/23/2026

We can do this! Have fun experimenting!

03/17/2026

Cry Away if you feel like it! (You will actually feel better….

Why Crying Can Actually Make You Feel Better

Have you ever noticed that after a good cry, you sometimes feel a little lighter? It turns out there’s real science behind that feeling.

Not all tears are the same—your body actually produces different types of tears depending on what’s going on. And emotional tears, the kind you shed when you’re sad or overwhelmed, are surprisingly unique.

The Three Types of Tears

Your body makes three kinds of tears:

Basal tears – These keep your eyes moist and comfortable all day long.

Reflex tears – These happen when something irritates your eyes, like onions, smoke, or dust.

Emotional tears – These are triggered by feelings like sadness, stress, or even joy.

What Makes Emotional Tears Different?

Emotional tears are more than just water—they’re chemically more complex.

They contain higher levels of:

Stress hormones like cortisol

Natural pain-relievers (like leucine-enkephalin)

Neurotransmitters linked to mood

Minerals like manganese

Because of this, some researchers believe emotional tears may help your body release built-up stress and restore balance—almost like a natural reset.

What About Tears From Irritation?

Reflex tears serve a completely different purpose.

When your eyes are exposed to something irritating, your body quickly produces tears that are:

Mostly water

Full of protective enzymes

Packed with antibodies to fight bacteria

Their job is simple: flush out anything that doesn’t belong and protect your eyes.

So… Is Crying a “Detox”?

Some experts suggest that emotional crying may help remove stress-related chemicals from the body. While the word “detox” might be a bit of an oversimplification, there’s good evidence that crying can play a role in emotional regulation and relief.

In other words, crying isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s something your brain and body are designed to do.

The Brain Behind the Tears

Emotional tears are controlled by parts of your brain involved in feelings and decision-making. When emotions build up, your brain can trigger crying as a way to process and release that intensity.

The Takeaway

Crying serves a purpose—both physically and emotionally.

Reflex tears protect your eyes

Emotional tears may help relieve stress

So the next time you feel like crying, it might actually be your body’s way of helping you feel better.

02/23/2026

Check out this quick read on Couples!

Happy couples consistently turn towards each other and choose each other every day. Remind each other why you fell in love (and stay in love) with these 6 ways to reignite the spark:

02/23/2026

Why Therapy Can Feel Messy Before It Feels Better…Like cleaning a fish tank!

Starting therapy can feel uncomfortable at first. A helpful way to understand the process is to think about cleaning a fish tank.

Over time, the water becomes cloudy. You know it needs to be changed, but you cannot replace all the water at once. Some of the original water must stay because it contains healthy bacteria that support life. Even within the dirt, there is something worth keeping.

Therapy works the same way. It is not about changing who you are or erasing your past. Therapy introduces new perspectives, coping skills, and insight while honoring the parts of you that have helped you get this far.

At first, things may feel messier. As new awareness mixes with old patterns, emotions you may have avoided can surface. This can make life feel temporarily harder — but it is a normal part of growth.

Interestingly, when fresh water is first added, the tank can look cloudier before it becomes clear. With time and patience, clarity returns. You begin to understand yourself more deeply, respond more calmly, and feel lighter than before.

Therapy is a process of renewal. It may feel uncomfortable in the moment, but many people discover that the temporary disruption leads to lasting health, balance, and growth.

02/18/2026

Check out the new website! It’s live! https://www.ascensionpsych.co/