What we know now is that there is a much deeper, much more powerful purpose behind the concept of scream therapy that can make a world of difference in our everyday lives for the rest of our lives. 

When I heard about a breathwork and mindfulness class that encourages you to start your day screaming, I was curious to give it a try.

"...there is scientific evidence to suggest that screaming could actually be very beneficial to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being."

"Our analysis....revealed significant associations between higher levels of emotion suppression and all-cause, as well as cancer-related, mortality.

What researchers do know about screaming is that if you must scream, doing it into a pillow is probably a good idea.

Using the voice to release emotion is really cathartic. It helps propel stuck energy out of our bodies and leaves us in a more peaceful state.

Emotions need to be expressed to be processed. The goal is to move the energy of emotion through and out the body so we can let it go. This self-expression must be authentic and embodied. 

You probably associate shouting with an escalation of frustration, not a lessening of it. But you might be surprised to learn that screaming may, to some degree, help relieve your stress.

Given that around a quarter of us will experience a mental health issue at some point, and rates of stress and anxiety being so high, it’s no surprise alternative therapies like this are growing in popularity.

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious, there’s a mental health tool that’s simple and free: screaming.

Feeling a little stressed? Anxious? Worried? You’re not alone. Mental health has taken a plummet worldwide, by and large, over the last year-plus of the pandemic. But maybe you just need to scream it out.

Ever wanted to screech into a cupboard on a particularly bad day? You're not the only one. There's actually an official term for it, recognised by psychologists. Enter: screaming therapy.

"[Screaming] creates a chemical reaction that is similar to the one you get when you exercise—you get a dopamine hit and some endorphins going." —psychotherapist Zoë Aston

Much more than an anger release, the practice of screaming is one of the quickest and easiest ways to let it all out.

Why is it that a good hollering can take our mood from fiery to peaceful in a matter of seconds? It has a lot to do with following through on the emotions we’re feeling. Just like crying or laughing can provide a rush of calm in moments of sadness or joy, a good ol’ yell can give us temporary relief from anger and frustration.

The neurochemistry and physiological effects of screaming aren’t in the act itself but in the relief that follows. The “rush of endorphins and peptides produced in the pituitary gland and central nervous system … act on the brain’s receptors to increase pleasure, reduce pain, and increase strength,” says Dr Bryan Bruno

Aside from hoping the neighbours don’t call the police, I’m trying to find out whether screaming has any benefits for relieving lockdown stress. Ever felt so annoyed that you just want to just shout and break stuff? Well, it’s now a type of alternative therapy.

“Swearing can have a truly liberating effect when we’re feeling bottled up with frustration. Saying the F-word, or similar, can have an immediate calming impact on the difficult emotions we might be experiencing,” Dr. Raffaello Antonino, a counseling psychologist and the clinical director and founder ofTherapy Central, told Healthline.

There are many reasons why people might scream – they’re angry, scared, or in pain (or maybe they’re in a metal band!). Some might say that screaming is bad, but here’s why science says it’s good for you.