Is it harmful to the body to not cry for a long time?

Generally speaking, whether not crying for a long time is harmful to the body depends on individual psychological conditions and whether there are underlying emotional issues. The specific analysis is as follows:

If the lack of crying over an extended period stems from inner peace and emotional stability—meaning negative feelings are naturally processed—then it is not harmful to the body. In such cases, individuals do not need to release emotions through tears, as they maintain psychological balance through activities like exercise or talking with others. Their mental and physical states remain harmonious, without emotional buildup, thus avoiding discomfort.

However, if not crying results from deliberately suppressing emotions—while internally experiencing persistent anxiety,委屈 (grievance), or other negative feelings—it may be detrimental to health. Long-term emotional suppression can disrupt the endocrine system and weaken immunity, potentially leading to insomnia, chest tightness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other issues. This imbalance between mind and body may eventually harm overall well-being.

Pay close attention to your emotional changes. Avoid suppressing feelings unnecessarily and allow yourself to express genuine emotions naturally. Manage emotions through activities such as walking, listening to music, or talking with others to prevent emotional accumulation. Maintain regular sleep patterns and a balanced diet to support both mental and physical health. Learn to treat yourself with kindness, avoid pressuring yourself to "be strong," and create healthy outlets for emotional expression to sustain comfort and balance in mind and body.