WAN-IFRA

World Association of News Publishers

The Backstory Podcast S2/E2: Talking About Trauma. Valuing Mental Health as Much as Physical Safety

The Backstory Podcast S2/E2: Talking About Trauma. Valuing Mental Health as Much as Physical Safety

Article ID:

22504

Many journalists see and even experience some kind of trauma, whether they're covering a conflict zone, protests or violent crime, and they can experience anxiety, depression or even PTSD. One of the best ways of coping is to talk about the experiences and the feelings they evoke, but few people do - journalists or their editors. Trauma is considered part of the job; but ignoring it only makes it worse. In this episode we look at moral injury, the kind of trauma journalists can experience, and the symptoms they might exhibit. And how to value their mental health as much their as physical safety.

In this episode:

  • Amantha Perera, Sri Lankan journalist who covered the civil war and tsunami, Asia-Pacific coordinator, Dart Centre for Journalism & Trauma
  • Finbarr O’Reilly, British-Canadian photographer who covered conflicts around the world, author of 'Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War'.
  • Alex Logan, health & safety professional, teaches physical and psychological components of hostile environment training courses for journalists with Key Objectives.

The Backstory production team is Andrew Heslop, Mariona Sanz, Colette
Davidson and Sarah Elzas, who edited and mixed the episode.

Music in this episode by Broke for Free.

Resources:

Managing mental health – How journalists can deal with trauma

Covering conflict is often part of the job for journalists, but dealing with the aftermath – one’s own emotional response – can be a challenge. Journalists must practice self-care in order to maintain their mental health while editors can provide resources and support to help them deal with trauma. Read

The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma: https://dartcenter.org/

World Federation for Mental Health: https://wfmh.global/

ACOS Alliance: www.acosalliance.org

The Poynter Institute: https://www.poynter.org/

Tags

Author

Andrew Heslop's picture

Andrew Heslop

Date

2019-07-15 21:22

  • Printer-friendly version

Contact information

Related nodes

The Backstory - A Media Freedom Podcast

Listen and subscribe to The Backstory, A Media Freedom Podcast from WAN-IFRA.

Tags

Author

Andrew Heslop's picture

Andrew Heslop

Date

2018-01-31 11:51

The Backstory - Season 2, Episode 1: Managing safety: What editors can do to keep journalists safe

If journalism protects democracy, then who is protecting journalists? The important role editors and managers play in keeping their reporters safe. In this episode, we hear from editors and safety trainers about starting the safety conversation in newsrooms, to make safety a priority rather than an afterthought. Learn about actual situations that journalists and editors have found themselves facing, and get tips on how to start putting in place safety protocols in your own newsroom.

Tags

Author

Andrew Heslop's picture

Andrew Heslop

Date

2019-06-21 09:12

Managing mental health – How journalists can deal with trauma

Covering conflict is often part of the job for journalists, but dealing with the aftermath – one’s own emotional response – can be a challenge. Journalists must practice self-care in order to maintain their mental health while editors can provide resources and support to help them deal with trauma.

Tags

Author

Andrew Heslop's picture

Andrew Heslop

Date

2019-07-16 21:29

Press Freedom

In countless countries, journalists, editors and publishers are physically attacked, imprisoned, censored, suspended or harassed for their work. WAN-IFRA is committed to defending freedom of expression by promoting a free and independent press around the world. Read more ...