# Women Turn to Rage Rooms to Process Grief and Emotional Trauma Smashing household objects provides a controlled outlet for suppressed emotions like bereavement and stress. - **Source:** [BBC News – England](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0e59575c-5b7e-4e8d-aa5b-81292a10f3fd ## Grief Through Destruction Ellie Goudie turned to a Swindon rage room after her 23-year-old brother Ryan passed away. She chose to destroy his personal belongings, including his television, using a baseball bat. This act served as a physical manifestation of her grief, allowing her to process the loss in a controlled, private environment. ## Rising Popularity Among Women Operators like Paul Bunney of The Rabbit Hole report that approximately 70% of their clientele are women. These individuals often arrive seeking an emotional release from life events such as bereavement, relationship breakdowns, or chronic stress. Many visitors travel across the region to participate in these intense, cathartic physical sessions. ## Breaking Social Norms Participants argue that rage rooms offer a rare space for women to express anger, which is often suppressed by societal expectations. Ceri Crannis, who used the facility after a stillbirth, noted that traditional therapy sometimes fails to unlock deeply hidden emotions. Smashing objects provides a safe outlet for this pent-up frustration. ## Controlled Emotional Release The appeal lies in the structure of the experience, which lasts for a set duration. Dr. Nilu Ahmed from the University of Bristol explains that the containment of the activity prevents uncontrolled outbursts. Participants know the session will end, providing a sense of security while they release their intense emotional burdens. ## Sustainability in Practice The objects destroyed in these rooms, such as printers, crockery, and old wine bottles, are typically items destined for landfill. Operators like Paul Bunney emphasize that materials are carefully separated and recycled after the sessions. This practice adds a layer of environmental responsibility to the cathartic process of breaking household items. ## Limitations of Physical Outlets While rage rooms provide immediate relief, experts warn they cannot replace long-term psychological therapy. Dr. Nilu Ahmed notes that deep-rooted issues will likely resurface repeatedly. The reliance on physical destruction may indicate that an individual lacks a safe space to verbally process their trauma, highlighting a gap in mental health support. ## Meaningful Personal Connections For many, the experience is deeply personal rather than just a fun attraction. Ellie Goudie played her late brother's rap music while destroying his items, feeling as though he was present with her. This ritualistic approach transforms the act of destruction into a unique, albeit unconventional, method of honoring a memory. ## The Search for Relief Ultimately, rage rooms serve as a temporary mechanism to lighten an emotional load. Whether dealing with stillbirth or the death of a sibling, visitors report feeling significantly lighter after a session. While not a permanent cure for grief, the physical release offers a tangible way to navigate complex feelings of pain. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj5ynv9lvl51o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._