Burnout Balloon
Burnout Balloon
Pop the Pink Balloon, Find Help!
This project was part of an exhibition for the newly created Oddval font by Type Forward. Alongside 18 artists, we each contributed our unique interpretations to showcase it.
According to the American Psychological Association, burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion and negative attitudes toward colleagues and work. Burnout is associated with dissatisfaction and apathy towards work projects.
There are many resources available on what burnout is, as well as the practical reasons that contribute to reaching this state (such as overloading, lack of sufficient rest, etc.). But why does burnout happen? What are the early predispositions that contribute to it?
Lack of security.
The feeling of security is an internal state, and when it is lacking within us, we try to find it externally. Material gains and financial rewards create a temporary sense of security, but at the same time provoke fear and anxiety that hinder us from making changes. Money is a consequence, not a goal. Often, we compensate with work when other areas of our lives are in crisis.
Lack of self-esteem.
Low self-esteem is what makes us believe that we don't deserve better than the current satisfaction. Low self-esteem sabotages us from making the changes we need to continue developing ourselves and our creativity. We stay in a workplace where we are not happy when we fear change.
More lack of self-esteem.
If we have grown up in an environment where we have received love and praise for our achievements rather than our intrinsic qualities, we develop the attitude that we need to constantly prove ourselves to be accepted and liked by others. We lose the sense of meaning and feel guilty when we take breaks (if we allow ourselves to take them at all).
What does your inner critic look like?
The inner critic is a collective image of the voices of all the authorities from the past who have told us who we are and what we should do. At some point, we accept this demanding voice as our own and treat ourselves in a very harsh, pedantic, and unforgiving manner. We ignore the needs of our bodies, distance ourselves from our own desires and values to gain applause and validation from others.
What is the metaphor for your work? Do you like the current version of yourself? If you listen to your body at this moment, what will you do?
If any of the statements described above resonate with you and your experience, but you are unable to cope on your own, seek the support of a psychologist.
Text by: Irena Lazarova
