Mind Over Media

Journalists are the visual first responders to or victims of traumatic events daily. Research shows:

• Approximately 80–100% journalists are exposed to traumatic events through their work. Source

• A study found that 46.1% of surveyed journalists report witnessing traumatic events once a week. Source

• Journalists report viewing over two hours of traumatic images per shift. Source

• A study found that 57.4% of journalists have been verbally threatened while on assignment. Source

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From mass shootings to natural disasters to being stalked and harassed, the journalism industry is mentally and physically damaging.

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Despite the extremely high diagnosis rate of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse in journalists, very few mental health resources are provided to journalists. Additionally, unlike emergency personnel such as firefighters, EMTs, and police, journalists are given little no to trauma response training prior to beginning the job.

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Journalism doesn't just include reporters. The journalism (news) industry is comprised of producers, photographers, engineers, writers, editors, directors, web and social media managers, and more. These individuals are not spared from exposure to traumatic events.

 

Mind Over Media is a resource for journalists to find emergency and long-term mental health support or treatment, share their stories, create community through shared experiences, and advocate for industry-wide improvements to mental health support. 

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If you are experiencing a mental health emergency dial 988.