Do people cry more on Blue Monday? Five facts and myths about tears
It’s Blue Monday, the day labeled as the most depressing of the year. Do we cry more today than usual? And do women cry more often than men? Crying expert Ad Vingerhoets on tears, comfort, and testosterone.

Although Blue Monday originally started as a marketing gimmick, many people seem to feel just a bit worse on this day. The persistent grey, cold weather and longing for spring make it a prime occasion for a good cry. But do we actually cry more on Blue Monday? And are humans the only species capable of shedding tears? Emeritus professor Ad Vingerhoets, also known as the ‘professor of crying,’ separates the facts from the myths.
A lack of daylight can trigger crying.
‘Myth. Research shows that people cry more in countries with colder climates, which often go hand in hand with less daylight during winter. In the Netherlands, people cry slightly more in winter than in summer, but this trend is not strong enough to be considered significant. It remains a minor indication without deeper evidence.
‘Why do we cry? With children, it’s very clear. They cry to demand attention, signaling that they need their mother or caregiver. After all, babies are the most helpless beings, and crying is a perfect way to communicate: Help me! I’m hungry, I’m in pain, I need physical contact, or something else.
‘For adults, it’s actually not all that different. Crying is also a signal for us: I need you. Comfort me, help me. Still, we don’t usually cry without reason, especially not at work or in the presence of colleagues.’
Women cry more than men.
‘Fact. In Western culture, this is indeed the case. Women are more frequently exposed to emotionally charged situations. For example, think of watching so-called ’tearjerker’ movies or emotional series. It’s much less common for men to announce, “Tonight I’m watching a tearjerker, and I’m going to enjoy a good cry.”
‘There’s also a biological difference: the influence of hormones. Testosterone, the dominant hormone in men, has an inhibitory effect on expressing certain emotions, specifically crying. For instance, men with high testosterone levels are more prone to anger – also an emotion – but crying remains less common.
‘Social pressure also plays a significant role. Boys are still often expected to be tough and suppress their emotions. However, nowadays, especially in the sports world, you see more men crying. Where this was almost taboo in the past, tears during moments of loss or victory are now more visible. This shows that societal norms are slowly shifting.
‘Interestingly, the differences between men and women are smaller in strongly emotionally charged situations like grief, heartbreak, or homesickness. The biggest difference lies in smaller, everyday moments, think of conflicts, arguments, or even frustrations like a crashing computer or a car that won’t start. In these situations, women are more likely to cry, while men tend to curse instead.’
Only humans cry.
‘Myth. If you define crying more broadly, such as vocal crying, you’ll see that all mammals and some bird species do it too. However, actual tears combined with sobbing and wailing, as seen in humans, are rare in animals. Recent studies suggest that dogs may produce more tears when reunited with their owners after being separated. Similarly, mice have been observed to secrete more tear fluid when experiencing pain or trauma.
‘A remarkable documentary that captures the emotional reactions of animals is The Weeping Camel. This powerful film takes place in Mongolia and tells the story of a camel rejecting her albino calf. A local shaman is called in to attempt to reunite the mother and calf through his special music. The effort succeeds: the mother camel allows the calf to nurse. At that moment, the camel appears to cry.

‘It is suggested that the hormone oxytocin, better known as the “happiness hormone,” plays a role in this, as this hormone is released when a mammal mother nurses her offspring. Oxytocin plays an important role in the bond between mother and child.’
Crying has a stress-relieving effect.
‘Myth. Crying is often seen as a way to reduce stress, but whether it actually brings relief depends greatly on the situation and the person. The suggestion that crying releases substances like oxytocin or endorphins that make you feel better is not supported by evidence. Research shows no proof of the release of these substances during crying.
‘A large-scale study conducted in 35 countries with over 5,000 participants found that only 50% felt better after crying, while 40% noticed no difference and 10% even felt worse. This suggests that the question isn’t whether crying brings relief, but rather for whom and under what circumstances.
‘One of the key factors determining whether crying provides relief is the emotional state of the person crying. People who are already feeling good tend to experience relief more often. Paradoxically, those with depression or burnout are more likely to cry, but they rarely feel better afterward.
‘Additionally, the nature of the situation plays a role. Crying over controllable situations, such as conflicts, is more likely to result in a sense of relief than crying over uncontrollable events like grief or loss.
‘The reaction of others is also crucial. When bystanders offer comfort or show understanding, it helps make you feel better. But negative reactions, such as laughing or becoming angry, can lead to shame and a lack of relief.’
On Blue Monday, people cry more than on other days.
‘Myth. There is little scientific evidence to suggest that people cry more on Blue Monday than on other days. However, research does show certain crying patterns. People tend to cry mainly in the evening, between seven and ten o’clock. This often happens when they are alone at home or in the company of someone they feel comfortable with, like a partner or mother.
‘Fatigue can be a reason why tears are more likely to flow at that time. After a long day, the threshold for crying is lower. Additionally, movies, music, or personal conflicts in the evening can trigger feelings that were suppressed during the day. The calm and privacy of home provide the space to finally express these emotions.
‘If you feel the need to shed a tear on this Blue Monday, don’t be afraid to show your emotions. It’s completely normal to long for a warm shoulder and connection with someone you feel safe with. Don’t be ashamed of it. It’s human, and it’s part of life.’
In February, Ad Vingerhoets will begin a new study in which women’s tears will be collected. For this research, he is urgently looking for women who:
- Use the (birth control) pill, and
- Can cry easily and often (i.e., produce a lot of tears).
Participants will receive a modest financial compensation. Interested or need more information? Send an email to: vingerhoets@tilburguniversity.edu.