Expression doesn't have to be complicated: Zines for burnout care
Expression doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't need to involve lots of expensive supplies or even artistic skills. Expression is worth it even if it's messy, even if it's unpolished, even if it doesn't serve any purpose other than expression itself.
When it comes to creative expression as a tool for care, you don't need any particular art skills. You already have everything you need.
Something I love about zines is that they highlight knowledge you already have — no need to go researching or wracking your brain for things you learned a long time ago. You can just show up, as is, with all of the resources available to you in the moment.
Ok, so what is a zine?
A zine is a little pamphlet or book made out of the simplest of ingredients: plain white paper, black ink, and information you want to express. That's it!
The word itself is short for "fanzine," which traces back to science fiction fan communities in the 1930s. But zines as we tend to know them today were deeply shaped by the punk movements of the 1970s and 80s. The anti-establishment ethos of punk meant the scene relied heavily on zines to spread information — about music, venues, and events — outside of corporate labels and mainstream publications. UVa Library From there, the riot grrrl movement of the 1990s picked up the torch, using zines to discuss feminist messages and share personal experiences in an unfiltered way that mainstream media wouldn't touch. UVa Library Zines have always been a tool for people who have something real to say and don't want to wait for permission to say it. (Source: UVA Library Zine History & Culture Guide)
Their simplicity makes them easy to replicate with just a photocopier and some folding. In a short amount of time you could have 10 to 20 copies ready to spread your word.
Zines can also be used solely for creative expression. With the constraints of simple materials and the prompt to share something you already know, you can drop into the activity and just see what shows up.
Some topics for the burned-out mental health professional:
Ways to calm your nervous system between sessions
Things you'd rather do than stay at the office
Phrases to shout into the abyss when you've had it
Positive psychology tips for when you don't want to get out of bed and face the world
Irreverent things you wish you could say at work but can't
Ways your burnout showed up this week
How the world could be a better place if people just listened to you
How to prioritize yourself in systems that don't prioritize you or your clients
Things you can do after work to forget about the crises you just dealt with
How you know you need a mental health day
What you'd do if you were in charge of things
As you can see, these can be as sincere or as audacious as you want — or as whatever shows up in the moment.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes! Send pics if you want.
Want to share this activity with a like-minded community of mental health professionals in a virtual anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ and Neuro affirming space — and get supplies mailed to you in a hand-crafted care package? Come join us online Monday, April 6, 2026 from 6:30–8pm EST where we'll connect, create, and engage in some much needed stress relief together. Because we are not alone, even if it feels that way sometimes (or lots of times).
