AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! If Covid anxiety, isolation, and depression is driving you nuts, let it rip! Sometimes a good old fashion scream may be just what the doctor ordered.
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! If Covid anxiety, isolation, and depression is driving you nuts, let it rip! Sometimes a good old fashion scream may be just what the doctor ordered.
By James “Jed” Foster, Jr., MA, LMFT
Behavioral Specialist, Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health
I’ve noticed two distinct periods in which people have just been “done” with COVID. The first was right around May of 2020 when it became clear that the restrictions were not going anywhere soon; and the second has been going on since the election in November…and it hasn’t exactly slowed down. It’s been a crazy mix of pandemic anxiety mixed with a full spectrum of anger and stress brought on by civil unrest served with a side of…well…lunacy. It’s enough to make you want to scream. So go for it! It just might help.
A recent article in Popular Science written by Sara Kiley Watson invites us all to unleash, as Uncle Walt called it, our “barbaric yawp” from the rooftops in the name of stress relief. That’s right. Scream. Let it out. Channel that sweaty-toothed madman within and fire off a primal scream. While it isn’t a cure-all in and of itself, it sure can help you release that pent-up emotion before you pop your top.
If you need some added flair, go ahead and pick your favorite expletive for more than just style points. As it turns out, swearing can be quite the analgesic for what ails you. There’s a pretty irreverent show on Netflix hosted by Nicolas Cage that’s all about the origin and usage of curse words. It’s called “The History of Swear Words,” and in addition to the fun, there’s also a decent amount of folklore and science included. Swearing, and the heralded “F” word in particular, actually helps you tolerate pain. Hey, I’m not making this up. You know it’s true. Do you really think that “Shucks!” feels like the right choice after whacking your thumb with an errant stroke of a ball pein hammer? I rest my case. But don’t take my word for it. It’s science, people.
Check out this article from Forbes, and then give Ms. Watson’s article a read. After that, go find a nice, safe (and preferably soundproof) place to combine these two potent interventions simultaneously! You might just feel better. But remember, it’s temporary. If you need to work on some stress and anxiety management for the long haul, please give us a call and I’d be happy to help you put together a stress and anxiety tool kit that skips the hammer; but until then…let me hear it! Let it fly, Tarzan-style!
Popular Science: Stressed? Try screaming. Yes, really.
Forbes: Swearing: The Fastest Acting Pain Reliever Of Them All.
Jed is a licensed psychotherapist that continues to be both amazed by and drawn to the mind-body connection. Check in on his blogs and video logs for news, information, tips, and commentary on topics related to – but not limited to – the mind-gut connection, behavioral therapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy, weight management, positive psychology, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, overall well-being, and anything else he feels patients will benefit from learning. Jed is actively accepting new patients. Call 224.407.4400 today and begin your journey to better health and enhanced overall well-being.