Why do songs that help me when I'm down make me cry when I feel normal(ish)?

This follows a post I made in another thread.

For me this happens with songs dealing with making that final mistake (that doesn't always seem like a mistake). They'll help me continue plodding through my seemingly broken life if I'm really down, but (as seen today) make me bawl like a babe if I feel relatively normal. I'd probably be fine with it if I was up, but I don't get much of that, so who knows.

Anyway, does anyone have any thoughts or input on why this may happen? My theory is my brain is reminded how terrible it felt and starts to think about what it might have had me do. Pure speculation since I have no clue what is going on up there 90% of the time. Thanks in advance for any responses.

I think when you're down and suicidal, focussing emotionally and intellectually on suicide is a coping strategy that helps you deal with whatever it is that is making you suicidal by reminding you that there is an exit. And there should be an exit (stay away from religions telling you to suffer in silence and that suicide will buy you an eternity in hell, don't listen to evil minds). When you're normal, focussing on suicide is an emotional outlet that reminds you of your suffering (and maybe makes you think about the people who would miss you if you die?) so it makes the tear glands go wet.

Edit: I meant you as in people, not you specifically. Sorry.

The exact same thing happens to me. I think it reminds me of the life I used to have and so many what if's and then I start to cry. The last several years have been very tough on me because I have put my 3 daughter's through HELL.

Mandrec: That's what I was thinking, but you stated it more eloquently than I could have. And I stay away from all religions, so I'm good there

EBD8: yeah I have whole tracks of songs (and entire artists honestly) that I stay away from now, either because of content or because of the times in my life I associate them with. I hope things get better for you and your daughters.

I think that these songs you're talking about help when you're down because they are talking to you emotionally. They are saying what you feel and making you feel less alone. It is proof other people struggle with the same problems.

Alternately, when you're not down they still talk to you about things you still understand because you've been there. So, it's like reminding you of where you've been and that's why you cry. It triggers the emotional response of sadness.

I think it's fully normal for that to happen. I have songs that I avoid at all costs. No matter where I am or how I am feeling, those songs will turn me into a blubbering mess and trigger me.