Why Do I Cry So Easily? 15 Emotional & Scientific Reasons You Might Be Extra Sensitive

Do you ever find yourself crying at the smallest things—like a sad commercial or a critical comment? You’re not alone.

During the global pandemic i have heard so many people complain about how easily they start crying even on the slightest of things.  Have you been oversensitive too lately? The past year has been difficult for all but some of us saw an emotionally sensitive side of ourselves.

Sometimes I wonder why I cry over small things. Does that happen to you too? Do you feel like you’re “too sensitive”? You’re not alone. I know so many people who are highly sensitive and shed tears quickly — even when they don’t want to.

But not everyone who cries easily is just “too emotional.” There could be deeper reasons, ranging from biological to psychological to situational. So, if you feel like the only way you can express your emotions is through tears, these are some important causes to consider.

Reasons for “Why am I so sensitive that I cry so easily?”

There will always be some or the other reason behind your emotions. You don’t just begin to cry for no reason at all. Big or small, something is behind your overly sentimental self.

It’s not wrong to be a sentimental person, it’s just important to keep a track on your emotions. Because they sometimes are a signal of an underlying health issue or your body is trying to tell you that it needs attention.

Also read: Why Am I Crying For No Reason? Here’s Why!

Lifestyle & Everyday Reasons Why You Might Cry Easily

1. It’s Normal: Some People Are Naturally More Emotional

It is natural for all of us to have emotions and to be sentimental. If you are a sensitive person you might cry a lot more than a not so emotional person. Now, this isn’t your fault, it’s just how your emotions work for you.

All you have to take care of is that your sentiments should not interfere with your day to day activities.

2. Poor Sleep Can Disrupt Emotional Control

A good sleep is very, very important for us because it really makes our mental, emotional and physical health better. If you have been overly sensitive lately or you begin to cry on everything, it is highly possible that you lack sleep.

3. Poor Diet Can Impact Mood and Emotional Stability”

Your food impacts your health in many ways. You can be cranky all the time if you don’t eat properly or stay hungry for a long time. Your body wants to send you a signal by making you a cry baby or someone who is often very serious. All you have to do is avoid fatty, fast food, don’t skip meals and eat all your minerals and vitamins.

4.You’re a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

Sensory processing sensitivity is a personality trait which makes a person highly sensitive to all sorts of stimuli. You can be crying to other people’s pain or even to loud noises. Such people are known as highly sensitive people.

Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

5. Major Life Events Can Trigger Emotional Sensitivity

You can suddenly become a very sensitive person and cry on little things if you are going through a life changing experience. It can be anything from a divorce to giving birth to your child or losing a loved one.

Mental Health and Psychological Causes of Crying Easily

6. Chronic Stress and Anxiety Can Heighten Emotions

Stress, I think all of us know that it can make you overly sensitive. How many times have you started crying for no reason? I have, a lot of times. It was all because I was under a lot of stress and was highly anxious. Hence, stress & anxiety is sure to make you cry all day.

7. Unresolved Grief Can Show Up in Unexpected Ways

Grief again is an understood reason for you becoming a sentimental person. We all have experienced grief, it can be losing someone to death or to fate. If you can’t understand why you are so sensitive and keep crying all day, it can happen if you are grieving your lost job, friend or even your past life.

8. Depression Can Cause Excessive Crying or Numbness

Depression can make you feel a lot of things, oversensitivity is one of the many emotions you face. People with depression can cry a lot because they just don’t like anything anymore. If you happen to be crying easily there can be a chance you might have developed depression. Talk to a trained professional if you’re uncomfortable being over sensitive.

9. ADHD Can Lead to Frustration and Emotional Reactivity

ADHD is a disorder where sitting still is almost impossible. You are easily distracted by the slightest of things. This distractibility can increase frustration in you leading to heightening your emotions. Therefore, you might experience hypersensitivity and become overly emotional and sentimental.

10. Personality Disorders May Affect Emotional Regulation

Emotional dysregulation is one of the many symptoms of personality related disorder. If you are crying a lot lately or have become highly sensitive then you must look for other personality disorders symptoms in you as well. If you have others then seek professional help.

Medical & Hormonal Reasons for Crying Spells and Sensitivity

11. Hormones

Now, hormones have a lot to do if you feel like you are very sensitive and cry easily then your hormones must have been messing with you. Hormonal imbalance is a huge cause of your over emotional, hyper sensitive being.

• Thyroid related issues
• Menopause
• Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD)
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Birth control measures

These can be responsible for your hormonal imbalance which leads to emotional dysregulations.

12. Mental Fatigue Can Lower Emotional Tolerance

Constant mental strain — even if you’re not “stressed” in the usual sense — can wear down your emotional filters. This leads to a lower threshold for crying or getting overwhelmed.

13. Rejection Sensitivity Can Intensify Emotional Pain

Some people feel hurt more easily by criticism, rejection, or negative feedback. If you find yourself crying in response to perceived disapproval, you might be dealing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD).

14. Childhood Trauma or Emotional Neglect Can Resurface

Sometimes, emotional sensitivity in adulthood stems from unresolved trauma. If your childhood included emotional neglect, invalidation, or abuse, your nervous system may be more sensitive to stress and emotional triggers.

15. Burnout Can Break Down Emotional Defenses

If you’re constantly pushing through stress — at work, at home, or emotionally — you might hit a breaking point. Burnout can leave you emotionally raw, with tears becoming a daily occurrence.

When to Seek Help for Emotional Sensitivity

If you notice that your emotional sensitivity is affecting your relationships, job performance, or self-esteem, it’s important to speak to a mental health professional. Sometimes, crying is a signal — not just of sadness, but of a deeper emotional or mental health need.

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Cry — But It’s Also Okay to Seek Support

There are various reasons you may feel like you are highly sensitive and easily cry on every little thing. The best way to check whether you are being highly sensitive is to see how you react to criticism. If you are highly sensitive to criticism then you are actually experiencing a surge in emotions.

I advise you to take some time in processing your feelings, why you are so sensitive and emotional so that you can begin to look for an effective solution. If you being so sensitive to every little thing has begun to interfere with your everyday functioning then you must visit a mental health professional because it can be because of an underlying disorder.

I hope this article helps you understand why you are so sensitive and cry almost on all possible things. We’d love to hear your story — what has made you more emotionally sensitive lately? Share in the comments, and let’s support each other in this journey of emotional wellness.

Have questions or need help? Feel free to reach out — your mental health matters.

Thanks for reading!

Take care and stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why do I cry when someone raises their voice?

This may be a sign of emotional sensitivity, past trauma, or rejection sensitivity. If you’re easily startled or overwhelmed by confrontation, it might be worth exploring this reaction with a counselor.

2. Why do I cry during arguments even if I’m not sad?

This may be due to emotional overload, where your brain becomes overwhelmed and resorts to tears as a release. It’s not always about sadness — it could also be stress, fear, or frustration.

3. Why do I cry when I talk about my feelings?

This often happens when you’re holding back emotions or haven’t fully processed them. Talking about your feelings brings them to the surface, which naturally triggers tears.

4. Could crying be caused by neurological issues?

In rare cases, conditions like Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) or brain injuries can lead to involuntary crying or emotional outbursts. If your crying feels uncontrollable or unrelated to your actual mood, consult a doctor.