Mental health resources
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Please note that many of the resources shared below are relevant beyond the Ukrainian context and may be useful to other journalists and media workers dealing with a crisis or emergency situation.
The Self-Investigation, a non-profit focusing on creating a healthy work culture in the media and communication industries, was created in mid-2020 as a direct response to the rise in mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Self Investigation provides consultancies, training, coaching, and awareness support to help individuals and media companies integrate well-being and mental health into their work routines, policies, and guidelines.
Registered in The Netherlands since November 2021, the organisation works globally to prove that a healthier way of working in the media is possible, urgent and makes smart business sense. Courses, workshops, and training are also offered in Spanish.
This article, written by a leading disaster specialist, contains a list of helpful mental tips for survival.
"Whilst much has been learned about the late psychological outcome of traumatic exposure, , for most civilians the task at hand now is to successfully survive whatever level of adversity and horror they have been exposed to; efficiently protect themselves and others around them, and ultimately emerge victorious and minimally scathed by war."
This document offers an easy-to-follow survival advice. It is available in Ukrainian here.
A Dart Center briefing for the information-sharing group on support for Ukrainian media and journalists convened by the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD). Also available in Ukrainian.
In this podcast, Journalism.co.uk discusses the impact of reporting the war in Ukraine with trauma therapist Olivia James.
"Journalists' mental health is at risk when the news cycle is dominated by death, destruction and uprooted lives. Trauma therapist Olivia James shares soothing techniques and aftercare tips for reporters covering the toughest of news stories."
This article by Marina Adami from the Reuters Insitute offers tips to navigate the reporting of Ukraine and protect your mental health. "Expert Hannah Storm, founder of Headlines Network, advises reporters and editors on how to protect themselves while monitoring the conflict."
An increasing numbers of journalists are suffering from the effect of covering the war in Ukraine remotely. This article from Journalism.co.uk suggests 12 tips for covering traumatic stories remotely. From avoiding graphic images to connecting with colleagues, Hannah Storm (founder and co-director of Headlines Network) provides tips from her from my years working in media safety and mental health.
The International Journalists' Network has collated resources in this Mental Health Toolkit to address different aspects of the issue: from post-traumatic stress disorder to digital wellness.
Browse more of these articles and podcasts here.
GIJN’s comprehensive Reporter’s Guide to Investigating War Crimes includes expert advice from more than two dozen specialists and journalists, covering everything from the legal aspects of war, to self-care for covering traumatic events.
A collaboration between ACOS Alliance and Dart Centre Asia Pacific, this guide is designed to help editors and managers understand and support their teams. It is divided into five sections covering both general information and specific suggestions and tips for working with freelancers.
This guide offers guidance on a number of key issues such as culture of safety, exposition to trauma, resilience, and risk of serious mental health issues.
Read more about the Dart Centre For Journalism & Trauma guide for editors and news managers working with freelancers exposed to trauma.
The Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma has put together this booklet, collecting recommendations for meeting the emotional challenges of covering war, from a group of seasoned veterans.
"While scores of journalists were confronting trauma and danger to cover the Iraq War, a group of seasoned veterans of such assignments took a brief break to gather at Bretton Woods, N.H., and talk about the emotional challenges raised by their duties in the field."
Also available in Ukrainian.
"Journalists are generally resilient but they are not immune to trauma and distress, which Kinman said can lead to headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, intrusive thoughts, sleeping problems and nightmares. Some may miss deadlines because they can’t concentrate, or their time management skills may also deteriorate. They might experience panic attacks, anxiety, depression or substance abuse."
Read more about these tips compiled by the International Journalists' Network here.
