Burnout by Shanina Dionna

Overexertion or misguided focus? What are sacred boundaries? How can we honor ourselves as we commit to investments of time? Are we asking the right questions? Burnout acknowledges that Gen Y (Millennials) have been considered the “burnout generation.” As a millennial Black, woman-identifying creator who has been diagnosed with a mental health disability, practicing mindfulness, being intentional and maintaining psychological wellness during COVID-19 has presented some of the most life affirming challenges I have ever experienced. This painting illustrates my initial, multi-tasking efforts for taking my rest and committing to a level of discipline that satisfies obligations and assignments. This personal narrative has since evolved.

Shanina Dionna is a visual and performing artist, non-profit educator, mental health advocate and a certified Person-Centered Expressive Arts Therapy facilitator. In 2020, Philadelphia Magazine recognized her as the “Philly artist creating positive spaces for mental health conversations.” Her creative practice is informed by personal experiences through medical diagnoses, hospitalization, therapy treatments, self-care practices and an exploration of holistic measures for cognitive, behavioral and psychological healing. Since 2012, her arts advocacy has helped bridge the gap between local wellness institutions and marginalized communities through representation, growing partnerships, and creative expression in the Greater Philadelphia area.