In Part 2 of the series about mental health and the newsroom, "How Viewing Graphic Content Secondhand Can Lead To Mental Health Issues In Journalists" the impact of viewing graphic images and video footage is explored. As well, though many involved in the news may not like to admit that they are affected by their work, as this piece points out a number of news agencies are working to help protect, support, and enhance awareness of mental health in the workplace ...
"While full-blown PTSD is rare among journalists, other mental health problems -- such as anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, trouble sleeping and social dysfunction -- are more common.
But what has most surprised Feinstein about journalists and exposure to #trauma is that it’s not always those in the midst of conflict who are most at risk. In a 2013 study, he observed more than 100 journalists whose job required them to view graphic material. What Feinstein found was that people who viewed disturbing images frequently but for short periods of time were more likely to develop symptoms of psychological distress than those who viewed the material for prolonged periods of time. War reporters and photographers who view disturbing material day in and day out become desensitized in a way those who only do so for a few hours a day do not."
"While full-blown PTSD is rare among journalists, other mental health problems -- such as anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, trouble sleeping and social dysfunction -- are more common.
But what has most surprised Feinstein about journalists and exposure to #trauma is that it’s not always those in the midst of conflict who are most at risk. In a 2013 study, he observed more than 100 journalists whose job required them to view graphic material. What Feinstein found was that people who viewed disturbing images frequently but for short periods of time were more likely to develop symptoms of psychological distress than those who viewed the material for prolonged periods of time. War reporters and photographers who view disturbing material day in and day out become desensitized in a way those who only do so for a few hours a day do not."
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