Navigating Mental Health and Resilience in Journalism: Insights from Industry Experts.
In today's fast-paced media landscape, journalists face unique challenges that can impact their mental health and overall well-being. In a recent poll, we asked our LinkedIn followers, 'What is the biggest challenge that journalists are facing today?'. 64% of respondents chose 'burnout' as the biggest challenge, while 14% chose 'time management' and another 14% chose 'harrassment from the public.' 7% chose 'other' with one respondent commenting, "All of the above and the fact that the business model is so challenged that traditional media journalists are today working longer hours for less money than 20 years ago. In saying that, it's still a very exciting and important job." The mental health effects that are associated with journalism are becoming clearer. As part of Irish Journalists at Work: Values, Roles and Influences, a study completed by Prof. Kevin Rafter, DCU, and Dr. Dawn Wheatley, DCU, a total of 364 Irish journalists completed a survey to spotlight life as a journalist in Ireland. The survey revealed:
- 58% say they have felt stressed in their work with significant variations between groups; 71% of women are 'often/very often' stressed compared with 49% of men, while journalists aged under 30 are more stressed than those ages 50+.
- 21% have 'often/very often' experienced demeaning and hateful speech, while 19% have faced public discrediting of their work.
- 47% agree/strongly agree that they are concerned about their emotional and mental well-being, compared with 26% who agree/strongly agree they are concerned about their physical well-being.
In the latest episode of RadioTalks, this crucial topic was explored, examining mental health, resilience, burnout, and confidence among journalists in the radio industry. We were privileged to be joined by Tara Duggan, the Group Deputy Head of News at Bauer Media Audio Ireland, and Sheila Naughton, a Multimedia Reporter at Newstalk. These professionals shared their personal experiences and insights on managing the pressures of being a journalist. Additionally, Áine O'Meara, Programme Leader at Headline Ireland, contributed to the discussion by highlighting her work with Headline, Ireland's national media programme dedicated to the responsible reporting and representation of mental illness and suicide.
Áine O’Meara, Programme Leader at Headline
Áine O'Meara's interview on the RadioTalks podcast offered a look into her journey through the journalism sector and her transition into mental health advocacy. Áine began her career as a camera operator in the early 2000’s and gradually moved into producing and coordinating roles within international news. However, it was after leaving the sector in 2017 that she realised the extent of the mental health challenges inherent in journalism. Reflecting on her departure, Áine noted, "I had absolutely no awareness whatsoever" of the mental health issues that accompany a career in journalism and pointed out the "lack of support at my previous workplace for being open about mental health."
During the interview, Áine emphasised the importance of building awareness around mental health issues such as vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, which are common in the journalism sector. She explained, "It's not that maybe one story might impact you, it's that over time, many, many, stories" can have a cumulative effect. Áine stressed that while self-care practices like healthy eating and exercise are beneficial, "sometimes self-care is not enough." She advocated for institutional changes and better support systems within news organisations to address these issues effectively, stating, "It's really unfair to put that on the individual."
For new journalists entering the field, Áine advised maintaining a strong connection to their values and purpose. She highlighted the necessity of remembering why one entered the profession, especially during tough times, and building a supportive network. "Have a network of people that you can speak to, that you can take risks with, or that you can feel safe, that you can be vulnerable with," she recommended, adding that this network could consist of peers from college or colleagues starting out in the industry.
Tara Duggan, Group Deputy Head of News at Bauer Media Audio Ireland
Tara has been in the field of journalism for over 30 years, evolving from a hands-on reporter to a management role. Reflecting on her extensive career, she acknowledged the dramatic changes in the industry. "Many years ago, when I would have started, the way you learned was by making mistakes. And you were shouted at and roared at for making mistakes," she shared, painting a vivid picture of the intense work environment of the 90’s. Technology has also advanced significantly from the days of reel-to-reel editing and China graph pencils, adding both new efficiencies and pressures to the job. Despite these changes, the core principles of journalism—speed and accuracy—remain constant. Tara noted, "Turning news around correctly and quickly are still the two core principles that would dominate any newsroom."
However, the pressures of the job have not diminished, and Tara emphasised the need for resilience and setting personal boundaries in the always-on digital age. "You need to put some parameters in place about when is my time," she advised. Despite the challenges, Tara's passion for journalism remains undiminished. "If you have a job that you love, you feel like you never work a day in your life," she said, highlighting her dedication to her profession.
Sheila Naughton, Multimedia Reporter at Newstalk
Sheila's entry into journalism was unconventional and deeply personal. She credited radio and journalism with saving her from a mental health battle. "I always say that radio and journalism saved me and took me out of the mental health battle I had been in," Sheila revealed. She began her career participating in the Learning Waves Radio Presenter Course in 2018. She then continued her journalism career by volunteering at her local radio station, driven by sheer determination and passion. This pursuit led to her first producer role, where she encountered the demands of the industry. "I couldn't get over how much my phone was ringing... there's no off switch," she recalled, describing her initial shock at the industry's round-the-clock nature.
Despite the pressures, Sheila found immense fulfillment in her work. She thrived on the excitement of breaking news and the dynamic nature of journalism. "There's such an excitement about when breaking news breaks... that's why we're in this job," she explained. Sheila also highlighted the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, a lesson she learned over time. "It was learning that it is okay that you're not around... it takes a while. It took me a while to accept that."
For aspiring journalists, Sheila offered words of encouragement and realism. "Don't let anybody set you back if it's what you really want to do," she advised, emphasising the importance of passion and resilience. Her journey from overcoming personal challenges to thriving in a demanding career serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of journalism.
The insights shared by Tara Duggan, Sheila Naughton, and Áine O'Meara in the latest episode of the RadioTalks podcast highlights challenges and rewards of a career in journalism. To listen to the full episode, click here.