SOPHIA SIDDIQUI
JOURNALISTS are often on the fore front of the world’s most challenging events, from crime scenes and road accidents to natural disasters and wars. Now, journalists around the world are working overtime to cover the COVID-19 pandemic. This is really a challenging situation for media workers around the globe. In this challenging time, Pakistani journalists are more vulnerable because they are not only fighting with stress and protection from Coronavirus in the field but the uncertainty of losing jobs, financial instability, cut in salaries, security risks, transportation issues, and what not else. Covering these stories, whether major international stories or events much closer to home can have an impact on those who do the reporting, leading to issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in some cases, but more likely anxiety, stress and burnout. Many journalistic organizations discussed the need to delve into this topic with more stories and resources. I observe many journalists during their reports on TV channels using gloves, mask and even fully equipped medical kit made for Corona-19 for paramedical staff. May be any other people can work from home but a journalist…Never.. When there’s a misfortune, others may run away from a scene but journalists rush towards it. In order to stay resilient and effective, it’s important to remember that stress can be accumulated over periods of time. Besides, the physical risks, mental health of journalists are the biggest challenge/threat. I talked to various health experts and they suggested some of the tips for a journalist stay safe and mentally fit. A journalist should realize that he/she is not immune to the emotional impact of COVID-19. So, I can say, “Trauma facing professionals” should protect them any stress and risk. Everyone has old bad habits, signature strengths and pre-existing vulnerabilities. So psychologists suggested making note of all of these and using them to make a plan on how to cope during a crisis. However, journalists should flatten their stress curve by taking downtime of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s also a similar curve to measure the number of stress journalists face. “Flattening the stress curve will greatly enhance your ability to effectively function professionally, and our ability to cope well psychologically. So sleeping properly is important, a resilient journalist is a well-rested one. You need sleep and downtime. The 24-hour news cycle is a challenge that many journalists have acknowledged as a factor that contributes to stress, but planning something enjoyable to look forward at the end of the workday can alleviate that stress. To deal with stress “Think about when you finish today, you will cook a great meal, you may plan a movie on Netflix, or going for walk can discharge your stress. As a journalist, I must recommend you to create a self-care plan with assertive boundaries that maybe yoga, exercise or meditation. Don’t forget, this time is an opportunity to work as a journalist and highlighting people’s problems, and you don’t have to do any of this alone. “We are sometimes our own best healers, with a little help from our friends can make us more strong. Letting your friends or close colleagues know what’s going on in your life can also alleviate some stress. Journalists need to consider their own mental health as well as the mental health of their sources. While interviewing from a victim or virus remembers your safety is first, take all precautions. The head of media-organization should also introduce some healthy activity for the staff of the newsroom. It is advised not to put them compering with others. Sometimes management won’t create their own set of guidelines, but journalists can still step up to lead the charge. Appoint a mental health committee for the newsroom. Don’t forget to encourage your colleagues, junior and assistant in the newsroom that is taking a risk and putting their lives in danger for giving information to people. Finally, I know the entire news source of a reporter, nowadays are WhatsApp, Twitters, and Facebook, DM and internet bases. But, one should step away from technology and the internet as much as one can. This is causing stress and information. So remember “excess of anything is bad” especially information. Endorsing health experts I must say, Apps like Twitter and Facebook are a constant stream of information, and although scrolling endlessly could feel mindless, creating assertive boundaries with social media and technology are critical. —The writer is a freelance journalist, political analyst, broadcaster and Ph.D. Scholar in Media Studies.