When there's trauma at work - in the building or at the scene - how can journalists manage stress and fear? - Poynter

"Two journalists were arrested in connection with their coverage of a protest. Two residents were shot and killed while documenting the actions of ICE agents in Minneapolis. And the list goes on. I spoke to Siobhan Flowers , a licensed therapist and a former television reporter, to help journalists make sense of their emotions and feelings around what's happening in the industry. To start, Flowers said, don't gaslight yourself if you are feeling more depressed about work or the stories you're covering."

""If you feel like there's a tone that's shifting, or something doesn't feel quite like business as usual," it's important to tap into what they are feeling or experiencing, she said. That doesn't mean worrying about things that haven't happened yet, she said, but allow yourself to notice when you start to feel a shift. That's a good time to figure out what you're in control of and to start to make a plan."

""So if there's a fear of layoffs, for example, then it's like, 'Okay. Can I work on networking? How can I maybe enhance my professional relationships?'" Also, Flowers said, approach whatever you're feeling with curiosity. Our bodies naturally want to avoid things we are fearful of, she said. "If you are naturally fearful of something, the anxiety, your body tends to want to avoid it. And so the opposite of that is actually leaning into it, being curious about the fear, asking yourself questions," she said."

Reporters face layoffs, arrests, and lethal risks while documenting events, increasing workplace anxiety and grief. Journalists should acknowledge increased depressive feelings and notice shifts rather than dismissing them. Identify controllable factors and create plans for feared outcomes, such as networking and strengthening professional relationships to counter possible layoffs. Approach emotions with curiosity by leaning into fears, asking 'even if?' instead of 'what if?', and exploring underlying feelings rather than avoiding them. Recognize the body's tendency to avoid anxiety, and intentionally engage with fears to reduce avoidance and develop practical strategies without living in dread.

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