- In their quest to uncover the truth, journalists encounter despair, injustice, and trauma.
- The weight of the responsibility that they carry is huge yet often unrecognized.
- The secret is to embrace the activities that make you come alive, honor your desires, and listen to your inner voice.
In an era of ever-increasing demands and fast-paced news cycles, journalists are at the forefront of disseminating, analyzing, and gathering information that shapes public perception.
However, amidst the relentless pursuit of truth, the overall well-being of journalists often takes a backseat.
Recognizing this pressing issue, recently, the Department of Communications, Languages, and Linguistics organized a thought-provoking webinar in collaboration with the Department of Psychology at Pan Africa Christian University.
This insightful event brought together eminent experts: Prof. Margaret Mwenje, Counselling Psychologist and Dean, SHSS, PAC University; Dr. Kimani Githongo, Advocate and Counselling Psychologist and Mrs. Lucy Gachenia, Counselling Psychologist, to shed light on the importance of self-care and emotional well-being for journalists.
The virtual event was moderated by Mr. Isaac Oyuga, Head of Department, Communication, Languages and Linguistics, PAC University.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines wellness as complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Dr. Githongo further explained that it is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy, fulfilling life.
Journalists have become modern-day superheroes, armed with cameras and pens instead of shields and capes.
Beyond the glamour of the headlines and behind the scenes lies a tale of unspoken struggles and emotional resilience.
It is time to unmask the unsung heroes and understand their journey through the tumultuous tides of their profession.
Journalists encounter stories that sear into their souls, revelations that challenge their worldview, and experiences that shatter their sense of normalcy.
The weight of the responsibility that they carry is huge yet often unrecognized.
Finding strength
In the quest to uncover the truth, they encounter despair, injustice, and trauma.
They witness the rawest forms of human suffering, standing alongside those whose voices have been silenced, fighting for accountability and justice.
The question remains, who stands with them?
Behind the headlines lie sleepless nights spent piecing together intricate narratives, haunted by images that refuse to fade from memory.
These experiences compromise their emotional well-being.
Emotional well-being is not just another buzzword but a fundamental pillar of a balanced and fulfilled life.
It encompasses our ability to express, manage and understand emotions in constructive and healthy ways.
In today’s demanding and fast-paced world, forgetting about our emotional needs is easy.
We are often caught up in the whirlwind of societal pressures, deadlines, and responsibilities, leaving little energy or time for self-care and introspection.
Emotional neglect causes emotional exhaustion.
Dr. Githongo defines exhaustion as the culmination of constant emotional depletion, overwhelming responsibilities, and prolonged stress.
It can manifest in ways like chronic fatigue, decreased motivation, ingestion, or self-sabotaging behavior.
Preserving the pen
Mrs. Gachenia shared that several factors may contribute to emotional exhaustion, including crazy schedules, demanding editors, excessive workload, fear of being laid off, coverage of horrifying or graphic events, and more.
How do you know you are experiencing burnout?
The symptoms of emotional exhaustion can manifest both physically and emotionally.
Emotionally, you may experience a loss of interest, mood swings, irritability, a decreased sense of accomplishment, and cynicism.
Physically you may experience muscle tension, disturbed sleep patterns, chronic fatigue, and weakened immune function.
Journalists navigate a relentless barrage of demands, deadlines, and stories in the digital age, where information inundates their lives and news is delivered at lightning speed.
Boundaries’ power is an essential tool for preserving their emotional well-being amidst the chaos.
Imagine a journalist standing at the intersection of personal life and breaking news, their phone buzzing with notifications and their mind thinking of the next big story.
It can be a lot in a world where connectivity is a norm.
However, within these boundaries, the true power of emotional preservation and self-care resides.
Prof. Mwenje insisted on the importance of self-care and took the participants through an insightful way to go about it.
Beyond the headlines
Boundaries are not walls to isolate journalists from the world but safe fences that help them remain sane, allowing them to be present and resilient in their craft.
They empower journalists to filter the overwhelming information influx bombarding their senses, protect their time, and set limits to their work hours.
With these, journalists can nurture their sacred spaces around self-care, hobbies, and personal relationships.
Self-care is the secret weapon that helps us harness our strengths while nurturing our souls, bodies, and minds.
Prof. Mwenje was very particular about the fact that self-care does not have to be as expensive.
Self-care is about cultivating rituals and habits that ignite our inner fire, boost our resilience, and replenish our energy.
You prioritize your well-being by unapologetically carving out space and time for yourself amidst the demands of daily life and by knowing that you deserve attention, love, and care—just like anyone else.
Prof. Mwenje suggests a morning routine that sets you up for greatness.
It could be a restorative yoga or exercise session, a nourishing breakfast, or even a few moments of meditation.
Engaging in these acts prepares your mind and body for the day ahead—leaving you resilient and empowered.
Healing hearts
Self-care can also look like finding your sanctuary, your own refuge away from the world.
It could be a creative space where your imagination is unleashed, a tranquil nature spot where you reconnect with nature, or a cozy corner of your home where you curl up with a good read.
Remember, self-care is not a one-size-fits-all.
It is about discovering what makes you happy and tailoring your routine accordingly.
The secret is to embrace the activities that make you come alive, honor your desires, and listen to your inner voice.
As the webinar came to a close, Prof. Mwenje urged the participants to remember to keep on checking up on their emotional gauge.
She insists on finding your healing environment, haven, or resting place.
I implore you, courageous journalist, to identify the immense value of self-care in your noble pursuit.
Do not be afraid to take a pause and reflect on your well-being.
As you craft stories with truth and empathy, may you find solace in knowing that thinking about yourself is not a luxury but an essential act of self-preservation.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Destigmatize mental health, advocates send clarion call
For you, dear reader, remember the emotional resilience woven into its fabric the next time you read an article or a powerful news piece that touches your soul.
