The truth about burnout, photography, and mental health

I discuss the truth about burnout, photography, and mental health. If you're a photographer experiencing burnout, you're not alone. Let's talk about how to prioritise your mental well-being in a creative field.

0:00 - What this video is
1:00 - My burnout
2:07 - Burnout and mental health
3:19 - What does burnout look like?
5:20 - Overwhelming expectation
6:45 - Exhaustion
8:14 - Loss of connection
9:26 - Imposter syndrome
10:54 - Community withdrawal
12:02 - Gear frustration
12:56 - Desire to walk away
14:06 - Burnout solutions
17:00 - The social media problem

[nevvanclarke]

I am a photographer but I'm also an addiction counsellor by day and I've worked in counselling for a long time. I don't think it's just down to the Photography. I think people's lives change as well. You could definitely argue that it's not down just to burn out from too much Photography or too much of one thing it's usually a life balance thing. Are you exercising? Are you eating? Are you spending enough time with Family? Are you spending too much time hunched over a computer they are all physical things and mental things as well that we don't factor into our life and we know with Photography it can become all-encompassing. As photographers we drive around and we see photographs instead of moments and there are signs that burn out is usually occurring. I think it's also difficult to make money from professional Photography and I do part-time professional work in Photography but I'm not giving up my day job it would be far too risky even though my work is good. I think what we need to do is take stock and make sure that Photography is part of our life not all of our life?

[JohnDoranski]

I have retired twice over the past 40-years. We grind until we can stop and switch to another venue in life. I finished one career, when and got a PhD, then started another career that I was able to retire from. Now I am into photography. Army and Accountant - now this. Life is great once again!!!

[MyIntrovertedNature]

Rick, I agree with you. I have been struggling for years with my creativity and the negative effect of social media. First I created for Facebook, then for Instagram then for YouTube. A few months ago I realised that I was hating all of it and I stopped making videos. I thought I didn't like photography anymore. But after a few months of not doing any creative work and having truly given up on all of it, I started feeling a fire deep inside me like never before. But now I know that I was chasing the wrong things. I hope that you will get through this soon. I'm sure you know that there are lots of people who want you to succeed and be happy.

[billingalls]

I admire you for addressing burnout, it's not an easy subject. I've also been impressed with your candid thoughts that you inject in all your videos. May you reignite your creative fires soon.

[rhiannonlawler]

The thing I absolutely love about your channel is you & your authenticity. The fact you’re being so self reflective but also finding a way to share this with others, with helpful practical tips/thoughts is special.
You’re good egg Rick. Sending you hugs and positive thoughts 🤍

[ianfirth-clark]

Thanks for making this video Rick. I am a fellow sufferer of mental health issues and struggling with drive and my photography. I had to snigger to myself when you mentioned the northern lights. I had exactly the same and then downing myself for missing such a rare opportunity in my neck of the woods, glad I wasn't alone in that. Being kind to yourself is very much key but man is that hard.

[ramsilverman]

Thank you Rick for sharing this video with your audience. This video describes my current photographery burnout to a tee. I do believe that most of my issue is related to where I am with my mental health and need to work on that first. It is so hard to be creative when your not in the right space and that's where I find myself. In someways, it's nice to know that I'm not alone. Warmest regards! Ram

[jlparkphotos]

I’ve taken the step of removing Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads off my phone and only have them on my iPad now. I felt they were sucking the creativity out of me and I was spending more time doom scrolling rather than actually doing something constructive. So now I just quickly check all socials for 15 mins each evening to reply to any messages etc then put it down.
I still have YouTube on my phone as that tends to be more motivational to me than not.
I really enjoy your videos Rick, I feel you are very down to earth and talk a lot about mental health where most people would be just playing to the algorithm. I applaud you sir.

[JustineFiles]

This came at a really good time for me. I've been going through a lot of second guessing.

And, autumn is so fleeting, so I definitely felt that guilt compounding even more.

Thank you for your vulnerability and expressing your thoughts. I am endlessly grateful for all the times you've helped ground me.

Biggest hugs to you, Rick! 💝

[artiedoc]

Rick

I wanted to take a moment to commend you for your bravery in sharing your experiences with burnout and your challenges in photography. It is truly admirable, and your honesty undoubtedly resonates with many who may be feeling similarly.

As a physician, I have witnessed the various forms of burnout, and I can attest to how photography has been my guiding light during my own struggles. I wish you all the best in discovering that delicate balance between work and life, and I have no doubt that your creative spirit will help you overcome these challenges.

Your talent is a remarkable gift, and I genuinely believe that you’ll find your place of work life balance and be back to capturing the awe that makes us all appreciate life when you are ready … plus not sure you’d be a good landscaper anyway :) Keep shining bright! 🎨

Warm regards,

Art

[justineghtedari]

I appreciate you for addressing burnout and explaining your feeling. Photography is just my hobby but I have the same feeling in both my career, my hobbies and totally my life. Hope we manage to survive soon. 😌

[TheMish]

Hi there, Your video really struck a chord with me. I share just about all of the symptoms you talk about and have had them all my life. I found out 2 years ago I had undiagnosed Autism and AHDH at the ago of 58. These can take so many forms and many people can be treated with medication. Unfortunately for me I can not take these meds so just have to fight the demons as best I can. It may be worth talking to a health professional about it. It was a life changing moment for me. Good luck for the future.

[lanabirch]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I'm cheering for you to heal through this "burnout." I enjoy your content here on YT and on IG. Take care of YOU, Rick 😊

[ChrisHunt]

Thanks for sharing. It’s ok to feel burn out. There will be other autumns, other auroras, other days when you feel good. You have plenty of time ahead. For now, just let it be. ❤❤❤❤❤

[ScottEdwards]

Needed to hear this Rick thank you! I fully relate to it! It's not an easy topic to talk about but it's something we all need to do more especially as creatives. It's easy for us to get stuck in our own heads, watching other people do what we want to be doing and then comparing ourselves, and struggling with imposter syndrome, doubting ourselves and falling into a bit of a spiral. Noticing it isn't always easy though but when you do it's the best thing because you can start to make the changes you need to make, even if they take time. Being more honest and open like this is exactly whats needed!

[JulienBoulardMW]

Rick, you're a fantastic person, and I am tremendously lucky to know you. I think burnout often results from the importance we place on others' expectations of us. Put like this, it sounds a bit twisted... But what I often ask myself is: "would I feel the same if I were the only one on earth?" Often, the answer is "no, because I'm not accountable to anyone". The burden of societal expectations is exacerbated by social media, but also by taking on sponsorships (;-)) or just by the desire to "compete" (often unconsciously, by means of comparison) with one's peers. So yes, we are meant to live in society, but it's sometimes good to move a few steps back and ask yourself: "What did I do to feel this way?". Because at the end, everything is a matter of choice. I hope you choose to continue taking photos and making photos, but we can choose (myself included) to make it the way WE want, and not the way OTHERS expect us to.

[stephenrowson]

This really resonates with me. After 3 decades working as a photographer in different sectors I ended up with severe burnout, I was eventually diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. The last 6 years have been quite a journey to regain my health (physical and mental). It's so important that we take the time to check in with ourselves and take time out. Working in the creative industry can be very challenging especially since the advent of social media. I recently considered a change in career - being a freelance photographer can be a real shit fight at times. Thanks for your honesty and sharing your feelings. My misses always says "this too shall pass" Hang on in there brother. PS it was great to meet you today in the misty woodland. 🙂

[Hilldee]

You raise some very points in this video. Thank you for talking about what many of us are feeling but don’t have a platform to express it.

[patrickmeier]

Appreciate your honesty, Rick! I had similar issues this year when getting our new home to scratch took over my life. Stopped being active on social media and put every free minute into this project and my family. The best relief was going on an overnighter with my son on a mountain top where photography was secondary and there was zero pressure. Had an u forgettable adventure and came back with great pictures - for myself and my family

[matthewgarnett]

I appreciate the very sincere thoughts here. One thing that troubles me about social media addiction is, it's the only addiction where people tell you to take a break and then go back to it after you feel better. Imagine if the advice about alcoholism was 'stop drinking for a while and once you get back to normal then start drinking again'. Addiction is addiction, if your addiction to social media negatively affects your mental health you need to leave it and not go back.