Crying is a natural, healthy emotional response that varies widely among individuals. There is no fixed frequency for how often a mentally healthy person "should" cry some cry weekly, others monthly, and many only a few times a year. What matters is the context, intensity, and impact on daily life, not the number of tears.

Mental health experts, including psychologists from the American Psychological Association (APA) and studies in Emotion journal, emphasize that crying serves adaptive functions: it releases stress hormones like cortisol, signals needs to others, and fosters emotional regulation. A 2014 study by Vingerhoets et al. found adults cry on average 1–3 times per month, with women reporting slightly higher rates due to hormonal and social factors, but variation is normal.

Mentally healthy people cry in response to:

• Joy (weddings, achievements)
• Sadness (loss, disappointment)
• Frustration (work stress, arguments)
• Empathy (movies, others’ pain)
• Physical triggers (onions, pain, yawning)

Red flags aren’t about frequency but disruption: crying uncontrollably for hours, daily tears interfering with work, or complete inability to cry despite strong emotions (emotional numbness, often linked to depression or trauma).

Cultural notes: Emotional expression varies by gender and societal norms some cultures encourage openness, others value restraint. Suppressing tears long-term, however, can increase anxiety.

Bottom line: If crying feels proportional to your triggers and doesn’t overwhelm your life, it’s healthy whether it’s once a week or once a year. If you’re concerned, consult a mental health professional.