Can you get dehydrated from crying??

Question

It sounds dumb but I've been crying for the last 3 hours and I have a huge headache, similar to one that comes with a hangover. And I know hangovers are caused by dehydration, so...could this be similar?

Answer 1

No, probably stress.

Life's good... I promise.

Answer 2

Yes, It's my understanding that you can. However there are several additional factors to be mentioned. When you cry, not only are you losing fluid but you are also losing sodium (salt) through your tears. This is essential for your body to function properly. Additionally if you cry for a very long period of time, such as you have, you are usually expending a large amount of energy, not just emotionally but physically as well; which just like exercise, without proper replenishment, can also contribute to dehydration.

It would seem that the focus of your question is actually more about the onset of the headache though. In addition to a bit of dehydration that may be taking place, you must remember that when you experience either a long duration or a very intense bout of crying, you are forcing a lot of blood into the blood vessels all around your face and head. This kind of stress, just like any other typical stressor can certainly result in a headache.

I'm not a doctor and am not trying to offer a specific solution, but here are a few things a person might find helpful for this issue. First and foremost it's important that you can help yourself to stop crying, at least for a little while. While it can be very good for a healing process, three hours at one time can definitely cause problems. Distracting yourself in a neutral conversation with a friend, background tv, or music, even for a little while until the wave of emotion passes can really help. It sounds obvious, but If you can, try to avoid being alone too much at this time. Also, if you're comfortable with it, praying can be very helpful and even healing. Secondly, opening a window or getting out to breathe fresh air can assist with better blood flow, it can also be a very helpful tool to combat sad emotions as well. Lastly, if you are still dealing with minor dehydration issues, drinking Gatorade or another electrolyte replenishing sports beverage, along with lots of water, can help balance your system out.

I do pray that there's something in here that you can find useful and that the severity of whatever it is that you're going through passes quickly, so that you may feel some peace and get some rest.

Please know that you are not alone. :)

~Blessings

Answer 3

Yes...you can...if you are still crying, and no tears come out then you could be dehydrated...read the symptoms, and signs below

Some symptoms of dehydration are:

Extreme thirst
Less-frequent urination
Dry skin
Fatigue
Light-headedness
Dizziness
Confusion
Dry mouth
Increased heart rate and breathing
Dry mouth and tongue
No tears when crying
Sunken stomach, eyes or cheeks
High fever
Sleepiness
Irritability
Skin that does not flatten when pinched and released

Answer 4

3 hours is a long time to cry. The cause of your headache is probably either the crying itself or whatever you crying about.

Answer 5

When u cry u feel awful, so ur head is bound to hurt. It probably has nothing to do with dehydration.

Answer 6

I'm not sure. You are loosing tears from your eyes. Well, your headache should go away if you stop crying sooner.

Answer 7

No because tears are the secretions of the glands that clean and keep the eyes lubricated Glands can only hold so much water, which leaves the rest of the body water "untouched"

Answer 8

I don't think so but you never can tell. Go drink some water and eat some fruit. It will make you feel better.

Answer 9

your headache is not dehydration.. its from crying

Answer 10

Probably...just drink water to make yourself feel better.