DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – Duke Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown Durham hosted an unconventional gathering Saturday: a “scream night” for people to let out their pent-up emotions.
Methodist psychologist and deacon Dr. Laura Crosskey brought the idea to Durham after seeing similar events in other parts of the country.
Crosskey said that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation, anxiety and frustration have reached a boiling point for many people.
She said the goal of the scream night was to help people safely release that tension with other members of the community.
“So we’re just hoping to give people an authentic place to express themselves and honor that this is what we’re fighting for together,” Crosskey said. “And to also honor the intention of just trying to find healing, even if it’s just a release.”
Crosskey said another lesson he wants people to take away from the event is not to keep emotions inside, to express mental health needs, to seek help.
