As we observe this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme — “Community is… what we create together” — it’s a great time to talk about the unique mental health challenges we face as freelance commercial and advertising photographers. While freelancing offers flexibility, it also has unique pressures that come with being self-employed. So, how do we balance work and our commitments and prioritise our wellbeing?
Recognise Burnout
Burnout can sneak up on you and take a toll on your mental health and work. Keep an eye out for signs of:
- Feeling tired all the time
- Getting sick more often
- Headaches or stomach issues
- Trouble sleeping
- Negative feelings about your work
- Withdrawing from friends and social activities
- Procrastinating more than usual
- Feeling irritable or on edge
- Having a hard time focusing or being creative
If you notice these things, it might be time to step back and focus on your wellbeing.
Prioritise Self-Care
Time out and taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury. It’s a ‘must-have’ for keeping your work and personal life on track. There are expectations as a person in business, too. Here are some simple ways to make self-care a priority:
Stay active: Regular exercise, even a short walk, can help clear your head and improve your mood.
Mindfulness: Try committing a few minutes every day to notice how you feel and remember the things that bring you joy. It can be as simple as focusing on breathing or thinking about things you’re grateful for.
Step out into nature: Stepping outside for fresh air and vitamin D can be a great way to ground yourself.
Setting Boundaries
As a freelance photographer, establishing clear boundaries is crucial for your wellbeing and a sustainable career.
Create a Consistent Routine: Stick to regular work hours to keep your professional and personal life separate.
Communicate Clearly: Let clients know when you’re available and when you’ll be offline. Then stick to it!
Use Tech Wisely: Use tools like the time limit functions on apps to manage your time on social media and schedule emails to send during business hours.
Learn to Say No: It’s okay to say no to projects and work that don’t fit your schedule or values.
Create a Dedicated Workspace: Having specific areas where you work helps you mentally switch gears when it’s time to relax.
Set Realistic Deadlines: Be honest with yourself about what you can manage and factor in personal commitments when discussing timelines. If someone gives you an unrealistic deadline, ask if there’s wriggle room.
Building Connections: Engaging with other photographers can provide support and inspiration. The AIPA offers opportunities to connect. You can check out the members’ Facebook group, use the directory to find other photographers close to you or organise a meet-up in your area. This is your community, use it!
The Power of Personal Work and Creativity for Wellness
Creating personal projects isn’t just about passion projects or building your portfolio; it can also be great for your mental health.
Therapeutic Effects: Personal work is a great outlet for expression.
Innovation and Problem Solving: Giving yourself space for creativity helps sharpen innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Emotional Expression: Personal projects allow us to articulate ideas and points of view freely without the constraint of a client brief.
Reignites Passion: Working on meaningful projects can help prevent burnout by producing work that matters to you and inspires others in the process.
Reaching Out
Sometimes, it’s hard to know when to reach out. If you’re experiencing ongoing feelings of sadness or anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Reach out to your photography community regularly, too. If there are no regular in-person meetings, organise or do something online.
Then, when talking with other photographers, friends or family, consider asking questions like:
- How are you managing your workload these days?
- What do you do to balance work and life?
- What inspires you outside of photography?
Asking better questions can lead to more sharing and genuine conversations. Listening without trying to solve other’s problems can make a big difference, too.
By implementing these strategies, we can help reduce the stigma around mental health and contribute to a supportive community where everyone has the tools to thrive.
For helpful resources on keeping yourself well or supporting others, check out the Mental Health Awareness Week Resources.