Media organisations in the country have been urged to take necessary measures to address the mental challenges faced by journalists on duty.
The call was made by panelists who shared their thoughts on mental health challenges during the Journalism and Society conversation hosted by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) on September 17, 2024.
The conversation moderated by Nten Ekpang, focused on the holistic safety and well-being of journalists, with discussions on trauma, coping mechanisms, and building a culture of mental wellness within the industry.
In his opening remarks, Olaoluwa Adeleye, Programme Officer of WSCIJ, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health in the media industry, noting that journalists must be sound, both physically and mentally, to perform effectively.
He referenced a masterclass on safety for investigative journalists organised by the Centre during which 18 investigative journalists were equipped with essential skills to prioritize their safety while on the job.
An investigative journalist with Daily Nigeria, Umar Audu, provided a sobering account of the mental toll his work has taken, recalling two specific incidents when he narrowly escaped an attack while covering a documentary on insecurity in Nigeria in 2022. “When we returned to the newsroom, I developed PTSD, haunted by flashbacks for over two weeks,” he revealed.
Another investigation in December 2022, which exposed the fraudulent issuance of certificates from Togo and Benin Republic, earned Audu death threats. Though the federal government invalidated over 22,000 fake certificates, Audu’s reporting was met with both praise and condemnation, with some even placing a ₦5 million bounty on his life.
Similarly, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Abakaliki News Manager, Fortunate Ozo, spoke about the importance of fostering a safe newsroom environment. “Journalism is a high-pressure profession that can lead to burnout, depression, and emotional breakdowns. Employers must recognize that journalists are not machines,” Ozo stated.
She shared her own traumatic experience, revealing that she lost a pregnancy due to work-related stress in 2022. “Only one person in my office knew. I didn’t feel comfortable sharing it with others,” she admitted.
President of Heartrose Care Foundation, Esther Adekoya, called for a culture of wellness within media organizations, emphasizing that journalists often fear seeking help due to the stigma surrounding mental illness. “Many journalists are afraid to disclose trauma because they don’t trust their employers or colleagues,” she said.
To address the problem, Adekoya outlined two key lifelines for media professionals: internal and external support. Internally, she said journalists must engage in self-care, emotional awareness, and resilience-building activities, such as meditation or journaling. Externally, employers should offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and establish safe spaces where staff can debrief after stressful assignments.
“Media professionals need a shoulder to cry on, to ventilate and seek support. A problem shared is 50% solved,” Adekoya said. She also highlighted the importance of managers fostering open communication, emotional intelligence, and understanding the unique pressures journalists face.
Audu also elaborated on his strategies for managing mental health challenges. “I rely on reading books, midnight prayers, and reflection. I also share my concerns with trusted individuals, such as my wife or colleagues, and detach myself from stressful situations when necessary,” he explained.
Ozo added that newsrooms should establish mental health desks and prioritize the well-being of their employees. “We need to create an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their challenges without fear of judgment. Effective relationships between employers and employees can prevent suffering in silence,” she said.
Adekoya emphasized the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to avoid overcommitment. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining your well-being and helping others,” she stated.