Power of tears is that we can't control them

From sad films, pain and break-ups to weddings, reunions and moving music, what is it inside us that starts them flowing?

- By Dr Raj Persaud, a Harley Street consultant psychiatrist and author of The Mental Vaccine for Covid-19.

WHY is the sight of tears so shocking? Crying may have a biological function, removing stress-inducing hormones.

But psychologically, tears signify so much more especially in the public domain.

Margaret Thatcher's tears on leaving No10, and Paul Gascoigne's over his yellow card at the 1990 World Cup, are both famous moments.

More recently, Rachel Reeves wept in the Commons over "a personal matter". But crying seemed to work - after all, she was beams and hugs next day with the PM. So is 'a good cry', actually, psychologically, good for you? In one study more than 70 per cent of participating clinicians reported they actively urged patients to cry - revealing a widespread belief that it is beneficial - letting something out, rather than burying it inside.