why does my heart hurt when i'm sad or crying?

Question

i dont know how to describe it especially when i cry it hurts so much, and even when im crying over something stupid.

i lost my dad 3 years ago, and kept it in for a long time, could this be a cause?

but what is this called, and what is the causes and cures?

thanx1

Answer 1

They don't call them heartaches and heartbreaks for nothing...

Answer 2

After crying people usually feel relieve and relaxation; specially after intense, deep crying with sobbing, even more when a supportive person is present, who gives full attention (and feels at ease with deep emotional release).
Sometimes people do not let go as deeply as they should.
They block themselves more or less. They stiffen up a bit, they do not give in into sobbing. They don't want to be heard and keep a lot of energy in.
Metaphorically speaking:"They drive while using their brakes". That's why the cannot get the full release and relaxation.
Sometimes the have beliefs like:
*It's childish to cry.
*An adult/ real man doesn't cry.
*Crying means weakness.
*When I cry, I will be rejected & laughed at.
*When I let go now in crying and really feel my deepest pain, I will not be able to handle it and go crazy.

You have kept your pain about your dad in for a long time.
That means you have had strong controls for a long time.
As soon as you start to cry over minor things, your controls take over: You start driving while using the brakes."
The pain in your chest and in your throat mean that the psychological pain is triggered but cannot get released, because you do not let go into crying. Not deeply. Not for a long time.
My advice: Allow yourself to cry. Read sentimental books, watch "tearjerker" movies and cry.
Then cry about what has happened in your life. Do this by yourself or with a friend, or look for a therapist who will encourage you to express your feelings (and does not bury your tears with medication).

"But crying is not comfortable: it hurts even." "Do it more."

Answer 3

I only felt it from crying over losing key people in my life, when they died. I didn't have that feeling when I was just sad. I have wondered also. Maybe the heart is contracting. It is a muscle. We feel the contraction. I then understood it when I heard "My heart aches". I never really thought of it as an actual physical feelilng. I see it as a part of grieving and as you recover from grieving, your heart aches less and less.

Answer 4

mine hurts too, when i'm sad.

i don't think there's a cure except for crying and telling people what's going on with you. medical science says it's your nerves reacting to your emotions, while eastern thought says the heart chakra is moving energy. i like the chakra system as a way of thinking about emotions.

http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/chakra4.htm