A Couple Screamed into a Lake to Release After a ‘Tough Week.’ Now, They Do It with Over 200 People (Exclusive)

Chicago Couple Starts Weekly ‘Scream Club’ for Over 200 People

In a bid to provide emotional release and support for individuals navigating tough weeks, a Chicago-based couple, Manny Hernandez and Elena Soboleva, have initiated a unique gathering called the Scream Club. The couple first stumbled upon the idea during a walk by Lake Michigan last December – amidst their own trials and tribulations, Hernandez proposed the unconventional idea of screaming into the abyss. Initially a small, impromptu event involving a few passersby, the cathartic experience swiftly evolved into a communal affair.

Hernandez, a men’s transformational coach, had previously encountered the concept of using screams as a form of emotional release during a session in Los Angeles. Despite his initial skepticism, the experience left him profoundly moved. Following the success of their initial lakeside screams, the couple began inviting others to join them, eventually leading to the establishment of the Scream Club. The group now comprises over 200 individuals who gather weekly for a shared moment of expression and relief.

The Scream Club routine is simple yet profound. Participants convene at Lake Michigan at 7 p.m. every Sunday, embarking on a collective walk to the pier. Along the way, connections are fostered as attendees share stories and build a sense of community. The session kicks off with a breathing exercise led by Hernandez, followed by a symbolic act of writing down stresses and anxieties on biodegradable paper, which is then cast into the water. The screams that ensue are described as progressively cathartic, culminating in a moment of release and vulnerability.

Hernandez and Soboleva have been heartened by the impact of the Scream Club on participants. Many individuals have expressed that while the act of screaming may not be novel, the shared experience within the group adds a profound dimension to the practice. The couple emphasises the power of communal support in granting permission for emotional expression, particularly in a society that often encourages stoicism and suppression of feelings. The sight of strangers embracing and shedding tears together underscores the universal need for catharsis and connection.

In response to the overwhelming interest and growing demand, Hernandez and Soboleva are expanding the reach of the Scream Club beyond Chicago. They are in the process of establishing a formal structure for the club, obtaining necessary permits, and collaborating with mental health advocacy organisations. Additionally, they have developed kits for individuals in other cities to pioneer their own Scream Club chapters, enlisting a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting mental health awareness globally.

The success of the Scream Club underscores a growing need for alternative forms of emotional support and community engagement, particularly in times of heightened stress and uncertainty. The initiative spearheaded by Hernandez and Soboleva serves as a poignant reminder of the healing power of shared vulnerability and the strength inherent in collective catharsis. As the Scream Club continues to evolve and expand its reach, it signifies a beacon of hope and solidarity for individuals seeking solace and connection amid life’s challenges.