Mental Health for Journalists

This is a difficult time for everyone and it can be really difficult for Journalists that are assigned to the COVID-19 crisis, telling the story and trying to keep themselves and they family safe.

Diana Alvear recently left the business and she knows how it is not hard for a Journalist to burn out, especially now.

She spoke to the University of Tulsa's Elana Newman, phD and she gave Alvear tips and a few signs that you may be burning out or experiencing trauma:

- blowing up at managers/colleagues, feeling irrational anger
- self medicating with alcohol, drugs, etc. beyond a glass of wine or cocktail to wind down
- not feeling productive/struggling to meet deadlines
- not sleeping well - family/friends telling you that they're worried about you
- your ethics begin to lapse

What can you do to feel better?

- improve your diet, eat healthier
- put the phone down at least an hour before bedtime & regularly throughout the day
- meditate (yes yes, we say that all the time but it works)
- enforce your boundaries professionally, personally and for yourself
- breathe and remind yourself this is a marathon
- talk to fellow journalists - they will understand
- ask your manager if you can cover something else for a while (some may be more understanding) because you're in a tough place
- talk to a mental health professional.

Consider therapy an investment in your health. You're not weird or crazy. You're blessedly human.

Some good advice.

H/T Diana Alvear

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