Why Are We Happy When We Cry?
Picking up a fantasy book is almost automatic for me.
The reason why I pick up that particular book, however, changes every time.
Sometimes, as strange as it may sound, the reason is that I want to cry. As I write this down, I realize how strange it sounds, but it’s the truth. And it’s not just books. Films can do it too. I’ve even said, while watching a movie, that it was absolutely beautiful while tears were still streaming down my cheeks. You can probably imagine the look of disbelief I got when that was my answer.
I think we’re trying to achieve two things at the same time.
First, and probably the most obvious, is that we need an outlet. After crying, we feel lighter. It doesn’t solve anything, but we do feel a little better.
The second might be that we’re giving ourselves permission to let out everything we’re feeling. A kind of cleansing of the mind, just to be able to put a name to what we’re feeling.
And luckily, there is a fantasy genre for each of us that fits exactly what we need.
From romance to dark fantasy, from epic to historical fantasy. And for me personally, that's also the reason why I write fantasy, with a focus on mental health.
Reading about someone who feels the same way I do, or who is even worse off, of course makes me cry. But when the journey is over and I return to this world, I feel happy that I cried . . .
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