Riga opens art alley focused on burnout

Riga has opened an art alley dedicated to burnout during Mental Health Week, LSM reports. The exhibition is among a series of events at the National Centre for Mental Health.

The seven artworks each show a sign of burnout and are intended to remind people to pay regular attention to their wellbeing, not only when they face difficulties. Artist Madars Vilisters has depicted himself in one of the works.

Vilisters said the idea for the exhibition emerged more than 10 years ago, but he believes now is the right time to bring the issue into public view through something tangible and lasting. He said he had turned a personal experience into a social project.

A recent survey found that concerns about burnout and stress affect more than 50% of employed people. Sandra Pūce, head of the National Centre for Mental Health, said prolonged overload can affect people both emotionally and physically. Warning signs may include disrupted sleep, difficulty meeting friends or spending time with family, and pain in the back, head or neck.

Pūce said people should seek help before everyday responsibilities become difficult to manage. Psychiatrist Jeļena Vrubļevska warned that prolonged burnout can deepen and develop into clinically significant symptoms and other mental health disorders.

Mental Health Week is being held ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday. The article says it is not always possible to get help immediately.