During Covid I had an idea after having a good scream release in the shower and subsequently scaring my dogs and my husband. Why do I feel so silenced, and why does this scream feel so good? How can I continue doing this without terrifying the neighbors and my pack?
And the underwater scream release was invented. I brought the option to the last three retreats and it was a welcome, cathartic experience for those who needed it. We collectively screamed underwater at our Winter 2024 retreat and everyone was surprised that we couldn't hear each other even though we were right there. The energy was felt, and the collective release was felt, but 911 was not called.
I personally think we should be able to scream release anywhere and any time, but society isn't ready for it. It can be dangerous. Especially when suppressive words such as "hysterical" and "crazy" are still used against women who speak up and speak out (which is probably a good reason to do it anyway, yeah?).
Screaming underwater has a similar effect to screaming in the open air in that a cathartic release occurs. It's such an amazing feeling to let out everything that has been pent up and stewing inside. It's similar to a dance release in that it expresses what words cannot, but it's much more quick and forceful. It can be done in the ocean, a river, a cold plunge tub, and any body of water where you have space to immerse your mouth and enough open space to release your breath.
According to an article published by the BBC and an explanation by Dr Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler, screaming can help you release difficult emotions, it can bring a sense of community, it can be empowering, and it can be a form of therapy.
“Another benefit of screaming with others, especially for women, could be a reclamation of the right to express emotions in the face of long-standing judgments from society,” says Rebecca. “This includes the notion that women have a tendency to become hysterical and over-express emotions. Even with expressions of pain, research shows that women’s pain is taken less seriously than men’s and they are less likely to receive appropriate medical treatment. I'm not saying that screaming is a solution to everything, but to be able to reclaim that narrative is really important so we can express our anger.”
Whether it be a body of water large enough for all of us to experience an underwater scream release together, or a cold plunge tub for one person, I try to make the option available at all Wild Women Hawai'i retreats.
I hope to scream with you soon.
Michelle Gallagher Escobar
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