Can You Actually Cry So Hard You Throw Up? The Science Behind Vomiting from Extreme Emotion

Intense Emotions and Physical Reactions: When Crying Leads to Throwing Up

It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by emotions like sadness, grief, or heartbreak. But is it really possible to cry so intensely that you actually get physically sick and throw up? The answer is yes—extreme bouts of crying can trigger bodily reactions like nausea, dizziness, and even vomiting.

Why Crying Can Lead to Vomiting

Crying activates the nervous system and triggers a flood of stress hormones and neurotransmitters. These include adrenaline and cortisol. When levels spike rapidly, it can leave some feeling anxious, lightheaded, or sick to their stomach. In some cases, the body may react by emptying the stomach contents.

In addition, sobbing causes shallow breathing or holding breath, which reduces oxygen intake. This further stimulates the vagus nerve and can cause nausea. Dehydration from excessive tear production, fatigue, and hunger can worsen these side effects.

Emotional Vomiting is a Real Condition

Throwing up from intense emotions has an actual clinical name—it’s referred to by doctors as “cyclical vomiting syndrome” or CVS. While it most often affects children, some teens and adults experience recurrent, severe nausea/vomiting set off by stressors like anxiety, excitement, or strong sentiments.

Those with mood disorders like depression or panic attacks are more prone to stomach issues when overcome by feelings like grief, breakups, arguments, frustration, loneliness, and trauma triggers. The digestive system and mood regulation center of the brain are closely intertwined.

How to Cope When Emotions Upset Your Stomach

It’s certainly unpleasant to endure nausea or vomiting on top of sadness, anger, fear, and other difficult mood states. Here are some coping strategies to help settle an upset stomach triggered by intense crying or meltdowns:

• Practice deep breathing – inhale through nose, prolong exhale

• Sip water slowly to rehydrate and prevent dry heaves

• Try ginger, mint or chamomile tea to soothe the stomach

• Take an anti-nausea medication like Pepto-Bismol

• Rest in a quiet, low stimulus environment

• Apply a cool cloth to the forehead or back of neck

• Distract yourself with calm music or guided meditation

Physical After-Effects of Long Crying Jags

A short crying spell likely won’t cause sickness for most people. But enduring hours of uncontrollable sobbing or hysterical meltdowns can take a toll. Other common physical symptoms include:

• Headache or migraine

• Fatigue and muscle weakness

• Dizziness, shaking, or tremors

• Fluttering heart rate (palpitations)

• Sore throat and stuffy nose

• Swollen eyes and cheeks

• Hiccups or coughing fits

In most cases, these after-effects are temporary and not dangerous. But recurrent, overwhelming distress should be professionally evaluated for underlying mental health or medical issues.

Why Grief Can Hit So Hard Physically

Losing a loved one ranks among life’s most painful experiences. The depth of sorrow can become completely physically and emotionally debilitating for weeks or months at a time. Why does grief affect the body so profoundly for some mourners?

Both psychological and biological mechanisms come into play. In addition to tearful displays, common grief responses include:

• Insomnia, constant fatigue

• Changes in appetite, nausea

• Impaired concentration and memory

• Aches, weakened immunity

• Social withdrawal, lack of motivation

Intense pining activates the brain’s threat response, releasing fight-or-flight hormones. This exhausts the adrenal glands over time. Gut health also suffers from the loss of routine and nutrition. Support groups and grief counseling can aid the bereaved.

The Physical Toll of a Broken Heart

It’s long been believed that profound sadness or heartache over lost love can lead to actual heart problems. Modern medicine confirms this is more than just a myth—the deep anguish of romantic rejection or betrayal can take a dire toll cardiovascularly. Some impacts include:

• Elevated blood pressure and heart rate

• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia)

• Constricted blood vessels (vasoconstriction)

• Blood clot formation

• Destabilized artery plaque

• Worsened cholesterol levels

While most lovers eventually move forward after breakups, some studies indicate prolonged grief over a relationship can be deadly. Heart inflammation and spasms explain cases of “Broken Heart Syndrome”, especially in older individuals.

When to Seek Help for Extreme Reactions

Recurring physical illness from overwhelming emotions signals it’s time to seek professional support. A doctor or mental health therapist can assess if an underlying condition requires treatment. Consult a professional for:

• Persistent nausea, chest pain, fainting

• Inability to control crying spells

• Racing thoughts or panic attacks

• Suicidal thoughts or sense of doom

• Feeling detached from reality

• Nightmares, flashbacks, trauma response

While temporary reactions are normal, recurrent episodes that disrupt work, relationships and health warrant medical care. Addressing root causes, rather than just managing symptoms, leads to better long-term wellbeing.

When Emotional Release Brings Physical Relief

Cathartic purging through crying can actually calm the mind and body for some people. Letting pent up feelings flow freely releases built-up tension, anxiety, anger, fear and pain. Feeling emotionally depleted afterwards often provides:

• Reduced obsessive thoughts
• Lowered heart rate and blood pressure
• Relief from headache and body aches
• Improved sleep
• Renewed sense of inner peace

Processing loss or working through trauma requires time and space for profound grieving. Support groups provide a judgement-free atmosphere for diverse expressions.

The Mind-Body Connection

Clearly the mind and body share intricate links when it comes to responding to powerful emotions. Tears serve an important purpose for physical and mental health. But recurrent bodily distress warrants medical attention and therapy for underlying imbalances. With compassionate self-care, even the most troubled soul can rebuild and thrive.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.