Journalism can be a stressful profession as journalists report on sensitive topics and come face to face with danger for the public’s interest
Rather local, national, or international the news is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via multiple platforms. Having the ability to access news at the drop of a hat is made possible by media professionals who dedicate a large portion of their lives to the public’s need to know.Journalism is a high-pressure job in which journalists and media professionals work long hours under tight deadlines to deliver new information quickly, accurately, and consistently.Journalist’s firsthand account of traumatic news often leads to an increase in stress levels and may leave negative effects on their mental health.
Job stress factors
Journalists are constantly under the watchful eye of the public. The importance of getting their job done correctly is a very stressful factor. There is constant pressure for journalists to keep the public’s trust and remain credible in their eyes.
Accountability plays a huge role in the journalism profession. Journalists are held accountable for accurately reporting the news while following newsroom layouts, journalistic ethics, and laws.The journalism profession is filled with unpredictable workloads and busy schedules.
Journalists work hard to keep up with the ever-changing field that never sleeps. It can be difficult for a journalist to break free from the strenuous demands of the job if they wish to stay employed.
Also, the pressure of meeting deadlines in a short period of time can lead to high-stress levels.
The competition runs high in the industry as many journalists and news organizations are constantly working to be the first to report on a story
These factors can lead to mental and emotional exhaustion for journalists.
Crisis reporting
The responsibility of covering violent crimes, disasters, and human suffering can take a toll on a journalist’s mental health.
Journalists are the ones telling stories of sensitive topics and controversial issues. They are forced to put their mental and emotional state on hold in order to remain unbiased when reporting on traumatic events.
Crisis reporting can cause burnouts, anxiety, and depression for journalists.
Taking risks to get the story
Journalists often go to extreme lengths and put themselves at risk to personally engage with the stories they cover. Their lives are often put in danger when reporting the news.
“I was in Cicero and I saw someone get shot and killed.”
Jonathan Aguilar, the former multimedia editor at La DePaulia, described his experience with covering the protest and unrest over the Summer, “I was in Cicero and I saw someone get shot and killed. On May 30th in Chicago, we were pushed around by police. While in Kenosha, we were hit with tear gas.
The fear of being injured or killed in the line of duty is enough to cause strain on the mental health of any professional.
Professional stress management
Journalists are human beings too, so it is important for them to factor in their mental and physical wellbeing. Ignoring workplace stress, physical, and/or mental health can cause negative effects on a journalist’s work ethic.
Kinise Jordan 