A novel technological invention, a specialised screaming booth, is now offering individuals in Kenya a unique way to alleviate stress.
This innovative solution, reported on NTV Kenya’s “Afya Yako” segment, allows people to privately scream for just 12 seconds to reduce mental strain.
Inside the “Scream Therapy” Booth
The booth, a compact space measuring 4 by 6.5 feet, has been developed using advanced medical technology.
Its primary design ensures that it is completely soundproof, preventing any noise from escaping.
Inside, various devices are installed to block external sounds, providing a private environment where an individual can scream without being heard by anyone else.
This ensures complete discretion, an essential feature given the social context.
“Scream therapy is a technique where an individual actually gets into a room, a guided room in a safe environment, gets in and screams for only 12 seconds. Then they leave feeling calm, recharged, and somehow safe,” explained Psychologist Milly Anne Anyango.
The Psychology of Screaming
According to the psychologist, the act of screaming inside the booth significantly helps those experiencing stress.
She states that this short burst of expression can free one’s mind or body by as much as 65%.
The concept is that by vocalising frustrations in a controlled setting, individuals can effectively reduce the weight of what is bothering them.
Addressing Social Stigma
One of the key advantages of this screaming booth is its ability to overcome social barriers.
In Kenyan society, like in many African cultures, expressing strong emotions such as screaming openly can be met with stigma, leading people to believe something is wrong with them. The booth eliminates this concern.
“No one is going to hear you scream, and no, you’re not going to get that stigma; people are going to see me. What are people going to say about me?” she explained.
User Experiences and Relief
The service has been utilised by people from various walks of life. One user recounted her initial experience, admitting she didn’t know what to expect but found immense relief. She even used the booth twice to confirm its effectiveness.
“I felt like a burden had been lifted off my shoulders,” the user expressed, adding that she realised she had stress she wasn’t even aware of until it was relieved.
Encouraging Creative Professionals
Artists, content creators, and comedians in Kenya are particularly encouraged to use such facilities to manage the stress associated with their professions.
The advice is likened to the pre-stage instruction given to performers to “remove butterflies” before going on stage. This initiative aims to provide a healthy coping mechanism for the pressures faced by those in creative fields.
by moses sagwe
