Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Pandemic coverage can take emotional toll on journalists; conflict-resolution expert has suggestions for coping

"Being a witness to history can be both a privilege and a burden," Cynthya Gluck writes for Navigator, the newsletter of The Groundtruth Project, which says it funds young journalists "in under-covered areas of the United States and the world."

"In their pursuit of a story, journalists often find themselves in stressful situations that take an emotional or mental toll," Gluck writes. "Typically, those who cover conflict and crime are the most affected, but with a story as universal as the covid-19 outbreak, which carries tangible risks for reporters and sources alike, many in the industry are feeling anxious or worried, affecting their mental health and their ability to do their work safely."

There are some things journalists and newsrooms can do to boost mental health during unpredictable times such as this, Gluck was told by conflict resolution expert Mike Niconchuk, director of research and development at Beyond Conflict, which pursues conflict resolution and social-change solutions informed by neuroscience, behavioral science, and real-world experience. Read more here.

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