Do you ever feel so angry you could scream? Screaming, as it turns out, can be therapeutic.
In a previous blog, we explored the ways that repressed emotions can lead to mental and physical health problems. Screaming encourages the release of emotions in order to facilitate the healing process. Now, this is not an argument in favor of taking your anger out on those around you. Quite the opposite, in fact. Keep reading to find out how scream therapy cultivates a safe way to release anger and aggression and take the edge off.
What is Scream Therapy?
In the early 1970s, Dr. Arthur Janov theorized that screaming and other physical expressions of emotion, such as crying and hitting, can help to relieve stress and even tap into repressed childhood trauma, termed “primal pain.”
According to Dr. Janov, many mental health conditions occur as a result of repressed or suppressed emotions; thus, screaming can provide an outlet or a valve through which to release and ultimately heal pent up emotions. While some argue that screaming does not allow for the actual processing of emotion, it can still provide catharsis.
Zoe Astin, a psychotherapist, describes the process as “ a chemical reaction that is similar to the one you get when you exercise—you get a dopamine hit and some endorphins going.” Thus, even if the results are temporary, they can still provide relief.
Benefits of Scream Therapy
This may sound a little “woo woo” for your taste, but scream therapy may be just the trick if you struggle to express your emotions. Here’s why: It helps to relax the body. If you're the type to scream when angry or sob when sad, you may have noticed that it eventually leads to a feeling of relaxation or even peace. This occurs because it stimulates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which is the network of nerves responsible for restoring the body to a relaxed state following stress or danger.
Some people find that screaming is a great way to let off steam instead of keeping their feelings inside. Even Kanye West, who is historically known to be a hot head, credits scream therapy for helping him to release pent up anger following his divorce.
Have you ever heard Serena Williams during a tennis match? There may be something more to her vocal grunts than meets the eye. Screaming has actually been shown to increase strength.
In a study to conducted by Iowa State University, subjects' handgrip strength improved by 7 percent when they performed some sharp exhalations. Researchers suggest that releasing air, as seen before a punch in combat sports, helps stabilize the core and expedites energy transmission to the limbs. The fact that these sounds may sometimes occur without the person's knowledge may lend credence to that assertion.
So, next time you can't quite get the lid off that jar of pickles or you're trying to get that final rep in on the strength training, try letting out a grunt or scream and see what happens!
How To Scream - The Right Way!
While it should already be clear that yelling at your spouse or your employer is not a healthy approach to achieving catharsis, let’s reiterate. Scream therapy is employed in a controlled and safe environment. If you have chosen to engage in your own version of scream therapy without the guidance of a professional, you will likely want to be cautious while exploring this particular outlet.
Consider asking yourself how you can emote without harming anyone or anything of value. Some safe ways to try this approach might include punching or screaming into a pillow, putting on an angry song in the car and yelling the lyrics, or signing up for a rage room where you can safely break items that have no value to you.
The Bottom Line
Crying and screaming won't solve all of your problems; However, these outward expressions can certainly help provide an outlet for those bottled up emotions. While letting out a scream may feel cathartic, it is a temporary solution. If you find that you are feeling sad, irritable, or angry some or most of the time, you may benefit from working alongside a therapist.
Healing takes time and requires work, which can feel daunting on our own. If you would like to find someone who can support you on your journey and offer tangible tools to navigate difficult emotions, please reach out to the mental health professionals Elevate Counseling today.