In the midst of the pandemic, it’s hard to find a mom who hasn’t felt overwhelmed and drained. If you haven’t, congratulations—you’re a rare exception. For many, the idea of gathering in an open space to scream might just be the therapeutic outlet we all need.
In January, Mia Thompson, a mental health counselor and yoga instructor, organized an event in a field near Boston for mothers to come together and release their pent-up frustrations. With the pressures of the pandemic weighing heavily on families, it seemed fitting to embrace the cathartic act of screaming.
“I wanted to create a space where women could express their anger, which often hides deeper feelings like sadness, anxiety, and fear,” Thompson explained. “Moms were isolated and struggling without community support.”
After proposing the idea last year, the response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to their first screaming event in March 2021. “It was freezing, but everyone showed up, screamed their hearts out, and left feeling lighter,” Thompson recounted.
The process is surprisingly structured, involving five rounds of screaming. Participants begin with a standard scream, progress to cursing, and then move into a free-for-all where they can vocalize whatever they need. Having engaged in my own private screaming sessions behind closed doors, I can understand the allure.
While it might sound funny to picture a group of mothers howling into the night, the reason behind it is sobering. The pandemic has forced nearly 1.8 million women out of the workforce to care for children learning from home, while many others juggle jobs amid ongoing stressors such as inconsistent school schedules, closed daycares, financial worries, and the burdens of being at home.
For Thompson, the goal is to provide women with a safe space to express their feelings and connect with others experiencing similar challenges. “This is an invitation for others to find their outlet,” she said. “Seek out a safe space, bring a friend, and let it all out.”
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Summary
In response to the stressors of the pandemic, moms are gathering in fields to scream and release their frustrations. Organized by Mia Thompson, these events provide an outlet for mothers feeling overwhelmed by isolation and challenges at home. With a structured approach to the screaming sessions, participants find healing and connection through shared experiences.