Most people are familiar with the concept of "burnout." Merriam-Webster defines burnout as, "exhaustion of physical or emotional strength usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration." This definition is most often applied to work situations. In the age of layoffs and re-organizations, most of us have experienced the burnout that can accompany work overload. But how does burnout affect creative people - artists, writers, musicians, etc.?
In my work as a psychotherapist, I often encourage my patients to find a creative outlet to deal with stress, anxiety and/or depression. But I have a personal interest in this topic because in addition to being a therapist and writer, I'm also an artist. So I asked some creative types about their experiences with creative burnout.
Recognizing Creative Burnout
Artist Luann Udell is a nationally-exhibited mixed media artist who creates fiber collage assemblages and polymer clay jewelry.
"For me, much of 'creative burnout' is more like 'selective depression' -
dead-ends we hit in our craft, and feeling overwhelmed by what it will take to
change that - overwhelmed to the point of inaction."
Because Udell's success depends on a receptive retail and wholesale buying public, often her creative decisions are in the hands of others. "We simply don't feel free to try something because of fear - fear it might not sell, it might not be perceived as 'good' or we don't want to fail."
Phoenix, Arizona writer Jeanne Cook has episodes that fit the classic definition of burnout. "My creative burnout tends to show up when I'm either emotionally and/or physically tired. I can spot the signs because I do anything BUT something creative - cleaning and straightening, as an example." Avoidance and procrastination are often stages of creative burnout. Writer/editor Kristen King describes similar symptoms of creative burnout. "When I just feel bored with everything and when I can't get interested in any of the projects on my desk, that's when I know I'm burned out. Even cleaning the bathroom is more appealing!"
Differential Diagnosis - When is it Depression?
Since many of the signs of burnout, such as disinterest, difficulty concentrating, etc., can also be indicators of depression, it's important to rule out depression as a cause. The NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health lists the following as symptoms of depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain
(If you have been experiencing some of the symptoms above for more than two weeks, please see your family doctor or a licensed therapist.)
How to Re-Charge and/or Prevent Burnout
So you've identified the signs of creative burnout. What do you do to shake it and re-charge? Musician and Web site publisher Larry Hornung's experience is not so much creative b
urnout, but writer's block. His first step is to walk away. "I could and have forced myself to 'create,' but the results are usually less than stellar. The next step is to listen to as much new music and new musicians as possible. Hearing new musicians not only gives me confidence, but allows me to learn new approaches to the same old notes." Writer King gets away completely from her work niche. "I've found that taking a walk with my dogs or reading something that is completely non-work related is a great way to get charged up for my work."
"Creative" Solutions
Writer Cook has found one way to address her burnout through a writing "club." She has made a commitment to other writers to write at least 100 words per day for 100 days. She then must report in each week. "I force myself to sit down and write. I'll get more than 100 words, but I haven't noticed that the 100 words that are dragged out of me are any less 'good' than the ones flowing out when I'm all charged up." Artist Udell is working on taking back control of the art she makes."I just want to get back to it and let it grow and change on its own terms - not anyone else's terms, not anymore." King sees having more control over the work she accepts is also a solution for her. "The best thing I can do is to get enough sleep and decline to accept projects that (a) don't pay enough or (b) simply don't interest me. If I'm charged up about what I'm doing, it's easier to stay focused and on task, and to be excited about it."
