Journalists and mental health

Journalism is a vast profession that requires you to constantly remain updated. The advancement of technology has further categorized the sector even further. Now those who are involved in the sector have to increase their skills to keep themselves abreast of the latest trends. Journalists today should also have a firm grip on technology so they remain relevant to the media industry.

While technology is rapidly advancing with every passing day, it is also creating many opportunities for journalists and making things easier for them. It has also created new challenges and problems that cannot be denied. Self-study, personal observation and everyday experiences are also important. It is necessary to study the topic as you need to keep understand the viewpoint of all stakeholders from society. You need to educate yourself to understand people’s reality, new trends and innovative ideas.

Journalists raise their voice for different segments of society but unfortunately, there is no platform where they can put forward their problems. Media workers particularly those working behind the scenes often come from poor backgrounds. They face immense problems but have no recourse to turn towards. The most pressing problem that requires immediate attention is mental health.

Journalism is an increasingly demanding and challenging profession. There are no determined working hours in a strictly deadline-oriented profession. It is becoming increasingly stressful for journalists to work in such a challenging environment. Delayed salaries, often for several month, downsizing and the dangling sword of uncertainty still exists. Journalists are unable to utilize technology for mental health counselling. It is necessary to overcome the flood of information and be updated of news, current events, accidents and other events round the clock. The increasing pressure to remain updated along with family and personal issues makes lives even more challenging.

This is affecting the lives, and more importantly mental health, of journalists. These need psychological counselling and treatment to help them cope up with the situation. Many organisations are offering free professional counseling for journalists about their workplaces. They are conducting workshops and counselling on psychological safety in the newsroom, online and offline safety, precautions and other exercises along with providing one-on-one counselling sessions.

There is a lack of awareness within the media industry to use psychological treatment to address mental health issues. Media houses and newsrooms have been unable to comprehend the severity of the issue. We need to be mentally strong to create a conducive environment for a safe workplace. The failure to address mental health also affects our physical health and often we are unable to control ourselves due to the hopelessness and desperation around us.

I am reminded of the dialogue from the hit film ‘The Unusual Suspects’   stating “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist”. A person who does not take his mental health seriously has low mood and remains depressed. The anxiety overtakes a person and eventually, life becomes meaningless.

How will this affect work life? How will we get creative ideas?  How can we deal with the situation? If you are facing such a situation, then you should seek help or expert advice. Try to change yourself and don’t hesitate to take advice or help from others. You can learn new skills, spent some personal time or get close to nature. Enjoy your life and find new activities and keep a fresh mind. We need to take care of our mental health as well and add value in our lives and those around us.