I cannot cry. even when I desperately need to. I am a 72 yr old female

@kath88 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

I would like to connect you with members but before I can do so, will you answer some questions for me?

When you say you cannot cry, is this s physical issue or is this related to mental health?

Below I have linked a concise non jargon webpage that gives short superficial explanations as to why people can't cry. May I ask if any of these appear more likely than the others?
- Can’t Cry? Here’s What Might Be Going On http://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/why-cant-i-cry

@erika That is good information about not being able to cry.I can't cry only when I see something emotional or thinking of my husband when he died. I've been like this all my life Im78 .

...not that it matters/is of importance but i am the opposite and when ill physically and it affect me mentally i have crying bouts and my whole body heaves its so deep.... well i guess a "happy medium" is best - I dont think I even saw my husband cry in 40 years but when we got news his brother had died, at midnight, when i made his bed the next day his pillow was wet.... the body/mind are strange eh? June

@lacy2 You triggered a memory My husband cried when his brother died that's the only time I saw him cry

@lioness Ah... Is your husband still with you lioness? I cry just thinking of my Mum and she passed in 2014 age 98.. but I couldn't go to funeral in UK ...and hadnt seen here for over ten years.... I am joining the Grief room here soon but not sure its a good idea right now. Sorry about your brother in law. J

@lacy2 No he died in 2000 .When he found his brother died first time I saw him 😢.I stayed in Pa till grandson born then moved out here My Mom died on 2002 I'm sorry about your Mom it would be good for you to see a grief program at Mayo here

@kath88 I too can't cry when I feel up it would be helpful to do so but mine is related to depression and shutting down emotions...maybe even meds.