Human-Sized Candles Stood Around Denmark Shine A Light On Burnout

Youths’ spark is fizzling out. According to Danish broadcaster P3 Missionen, 44% of young individuals in the country are experiencing burnout.

To spread awareness about the social phenomenon, the network paired up with multidisciplinary creative agency Uncle Grey and installed human-sized candles around Denmark’s larger cities to represent the nation’s worn-out youth. The campaign coincided with Mental Health Day on March 9, which was also the first time a day dedicated to mental health education for children was introduced in Danish schools.

The candles, which each weigh around 187 pounds and took two days to cast, illustrate what will happen if action isn’t taken to address youth fatigue: an entire generation burns out.

The wax statues will completely melt down in about two months, mirroring youths’ mental state and “serving as a very real countdown,” the agency elaborates in an email to DesignTAXI.

P3 Mission is encouraging youths to explore what makes them happy and keep up with those habits to continue feeling enriched and inspired.

However, the work in overcoming burnout doesn’t just come from within. The broadcaster has mailed out smaller versions of the candles to politicians and policymakers to call upon the development of new initiatives to keep the fire in youths going.

“For years, we have focused on the importance of physical health—now it’s time to focus on keeping the mind fit,” notes Charlotte Porsager, Chief Operating Officer at Uncle Grey.  “With this project, we hope we can shine a light on the importance of that, and help young people know they are not alone in their struggle.”

[via Uncle Grey, images courtesy]