Two Serbian teenagers have set up a ‘Rage Room’ where people can vent out their anger and frustration by destroying as much as possible.
Customers are handed a baseball and hardhat, before unleashing on lamps, beds, tables and any other pieces of furniture.
The ‘Rage Room’ has drawn a flurry of attention since it opened in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad in October, where two decades of war, political crisis and economic hardship have driven many people over the edge, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported.
The teenagers were inspired by a similar ‘Anger Room’ in Dallas, Texas, who thought a Serbian version would be a surefire way to earn money.
The Dallas version costs up to $75 per session and has an array of objects to destroy, including computers and office furniture.
However, the Serbian alternative, housed in a refurbished garage, is much more basic, the report said.
For only $6, customers, who are required to wear protective gloves, glasses and a helmet, can smash a coat-rack, chair, bookshelf, and other items such as framed photographs, empty cans and plastic containers.
“On average, we have one person a day, enough to keep us going. Dozens have come so far, people of all ages,” said Nikola Pausic, an 18-year-old who runs the room with a friend.
Pausic said that visitors, who have included a number of women, usually need about five minutes to destroy everything inside.
While it may be an easy way to let off steam, experts warn that projects like this are no replacement for anger management therapy.
Sanja Marjanovic, a Psychologist from Belgrade, explained that “venting anger does give you an immediate sense of relief but in the long run, one becomes accustomed to feeling angry”.
“In a stressful situation, one can count to ten, or take calm, deep breaths. It’s much more useful to practise yoga,” she said.
Pausic said visitors have to sign a document that includes a clause saying the ‘Rage Room’ does not aspire to offer medical assistance.
And after the session is over, customers are given a CD that includes information about professional therapists and how to contact them.