http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/local/2009/08/13/10444406-sun.htmlTip your hat to cathartic tearsBy KRISTEN MCKENZIE
When your lips start to quiver and your eyes become moist, don't fight the feeling - crying can be a helpful means to survive tragedy or disappointment.
"It's a kind of liberating psychological experience," said William Koch, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of British Columbia.
According to Koch, tears are a natural reaction to sorrow and attempts at stoicism only impede the recovery process.
"People who suppress emotional experience ... those individuals tend to have a harder time adapting," he said. "Some people try to avoid negative emotions ... that's maladaptive."
The key, says Koch, is to grow comfortable with the act of crying in order for it to become effective; embarrassment will only undermine tears' healing capacity.
"The acceptance of crying as a normal reaction ... is certainly adaptive," he said. "One develops the attitude that it's OK to feel distress and express distress. [It's] a positive coping attitude."
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Need a good cry? Check out the following heartwrenching flicks and turn on the taps (warning: runny noses and red eyes will ensue).
Marley and Me
This sentimental look at the bond between a loveable dog and its owners is bound to leave animal lovers everywhere bawling.
It's a Wondeful Life
Who doesn't cry when that little bell rings at the end? Heartless people, that's who.
Forrest Gump
"Why don't you love me Jenny? I may not be a smart man, but I know what love is." Sniff, sniff.
The Green Mile
A kindly miracle healer gets mistakenly sentenced to death row. So sad, it's ridiculous.
Brokeback Mountain
A moving tale of unrequited love and flawless performances by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal combine to make this film a tearjerker.And in case movies don't do the trick, here are a few gloomy tunes to get your eyes watering:
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And in case movies don’t do the trick, here are a few gloomy tunes to get your eyes watering:
Hallelujah
by Jeff Buckley
Beautiful and haunting, this isn't a song you'd call upbeat.
Yesterday
by The Beatles
Regret and lost love: perfect ingredients for a sad song.
Tears in Heaven
by Eric Clapton
Written for the singer's deceased child, the song's genuine sorrow can't be denied.
Mad World
by Gary Jules
This somewhat eerie tune emanates loss and loneliness.
England's Rose
by Elton John
Sung at Princess Diana's funeral, a moving look at the humanitarian's life and untimely death.