Crying Spells

Many people going through psychiatric drug tapering or withdrawal experience sudden and intense crying spells. These episodes can feel confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes frightening—especially if crying begins for no clear reason. It is important to understand that this is a very common nervous system symptom during withdrawal. Why Crying Spells Happen Psychiatric medications—especially antidepressants—affect powerful brain chemicals that regulate emotion, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of these drugs. When the medication is reduced or stopped, the nervous system must recalibrate and relearn how to regulate emotions on its own. During this healing period, emotional regulation can become temporarily unstable. This may cause: • Sudden crying without a clear trigger • Crying over small things that normally wouldn’t cause such a reaction • Feeling emotionally overwhelmed very easily • Crying that seems to come “out of nowhere” • Waves of deep sadness followed by periods of feeling more normal These crying spells are often physiological, not purely psychological. In other words, they are frequently a result of temporary nervous system dysregulation, not a reflection of your true emotional state or life circumstances. Emotional Sensitivity During Withdrawal Withdrawal often puts the nervous system into a highly sensitive state. Many people find that emotions feel amplified during this time. Situations, memories, music, or conversations that normally feel manageable may suddenly bring on intense tears. This heightened emotional sensitivity does not mean you are weak or losing control. It simply means your brain and nervous system are working hard to regain balance. The “Waves and Windows” Pattern Crying spells, like many withdrawal symptoms, often follow a wave pattern. You may have periods where emotions feel extremely intense, followed by windows of improvement where you feel calmer and more stable. These fluctuations are a normal part of nervous system healing. Ways to Cope with Crying Spells While the crying itself is not harmful, it can feel exhausting. Some people find the following strategies helpful: • Allow the tears when they come. Suppressing them can increase emotional tension. • Practice slow breathing to calm the nervous system. • Remind yourself that this is temporary. These symptoms are part of the healing process. • Reduce overstimulation (news, social media, stressful conversations) when possible. • Engage in gentle self-care, such as quiet walks, warm baths, prayer, or listening to calming music. • Talk with supportive people who understand withdrawal. When Crying Feels Scary Sometimes crying spells can feel so intense that people worry they are “losing their mind.” This fear is extremely common during withdrawal. It may help to remember: Your brain is not breaking—it is healing and readjusting. As the nervous system stabilizes over time, emotional regulation typically improves and crying spells become less frequent. A Message of Compassion If you are experiencing frequent crying during withdrawal, please be gentle with yourself. Your nervous system is going through a profound period of adjustment. Many people who have gone through this process report that their emotional balance eventually returns—and often becomes stronger and more resilient than before. You are not alone, and you are not failing. Your brain is working hard to find its way back to equilibrium. Disclaimer: This information is based on lived experience within psychiatric drug withdrawal communities and is not medical advice.