A few months ago Sonali Kohli with the Los Angeles Times did something very courageous. She decided to talk about the her mental health and the reasons she was going to take three weeks off from work. She shared it on Twitter.
hi hello? *taps mic*
This is a ~mental health~ thread. As journalists we talk a lot ab the work we do but not about the recovery time we need. So I am about to take 3 weeks off, and I’m going to tell you why, in case it helps other people take time off without feeling guilty. /1— Sonali Kohli 🙆🏾 (@Sonali_Kohli) March 7, 2019
I recommend you read her entire thread where she talks about covering mass shootings and deadly fires in California and how those assignments took their toll on her. She got help from a therapist who told her she had symptoms of post traumatic stress. She didn’t take a break right away even though her therapist said she was on the verge of PTSD. Finally, another assignment and that’s when she got very sick, and she knew her body needed rest. She tweeted,
Secondary trauma is a real thing and it can happen whether you are reporting from the field or a computer. Self care for me is therapy, puppies, exercise, cooking, baking, reading, time with family and friends.
Freelance journalist, Amanda Svlachula looked into the issue in her story, The Newsroom Trauma Equation. She said,
As first responders, journalists must take care of their own emotional well-being, while also being sensitive and careful in interviewing sources in the midst of tragedy.
Kohli got a huge response from other journalists. Writer Micheline Maynard tweeted,
It’s up to us to set boundaries and call time when we need it. Once you get comfortable doing so, you can learn to pace yourself
Journalist Athandiwe Saba tweeted,
To all journalists. This thread is so important. We rarely want to seek help because we are meant to be strong and right the wrongs for other people. Take care of you too.
Journalist Gary Ghioto said it best also in a tweet,
It’s rare that a journalist speaks about the toll this profession takes on the psyche. We teach that journos need to be on the outside looking in to remain objective. We neglect to teach that journalists are human.
Journalists are humans too. Don’t be afraid to talk about it. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Your life matters.
Other stories and resources:
Poynter: How journalists can take care of themselves while covering trauma
Vice: When Being a Journalist is Terrible for your Mental Health
Rebecca Aguilar 