newsrooms Urged to Prioritize Journalist Mental Health Amid Rising Trauma
LONDON – A growing body of research highlights the critically importent psychological toll exacted on journalists, with experts now calling for widespread implementation of mental health support within news organizations. Dr.Anthony Feinstein, a leading researcher in the field, warns that exposure to traumatic events can lead to “moral injury” – a distress stemming from witnessing or participating in events that violate deeply held moral beliefs – manifesting as guilt, anger, and cynicism.
“It can make journalists question the purpose of their work and step back from their profession. Left unaddressed, it becomes a pathway to PTSD, depression, or substance abuse,” Feinstein explained.
With “no measure to protect against/prevent moral injury,” Feinstein strongly advocates for early intervention, regular psychological checkups, and education to support journalists’ mental health. His core message: Normalise it. Remind people of the dangers, and educate them towards therapy and support.
Further studies reveal emerging challenges,including the impact of online harassment and specific risks faced by climate journalists. Feinstein notes that over 40 journalists have been killed in the last 15 years, often targeted by powerful corporations or state actors, with many more experiencing harassment or legal threats.
Despite these concerns, Feinstein emphasizes that “most journalists are resilient and mental health conditions like PTSD and depression are treatable.” Research during the pandemic demonstrated that newsrooms offering professional support experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression among staff. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351760991_Covering_COVID_Journalists’_Stress_and_Perceived_Organizational_Support_While_Reporting_on_the_Pandemic)
feinstein stresses that struggling journalists require empathy, confidentiality, and professional care, asserting that “Every newsroom has a moral obligation to make this support available.” He outlines four practical steps for news organizations:
1 Organise education sessions for journalists and editors about the psychological risks of their work and available support.
2 Implement a system for confidential, easy-to-access, and stigma-free mental health check-ins before, during, and after covering arduous stories.
3 Encourage annual mental health check-ins, as routinely as one would for physical health.
4 Train news managers – the “first responders” of the newsroom – to recognize and respond empathetically to distress.
