As a society, we've begun prioritizing our mental health. Whether by taking self-care days or learning to say 'no' when the situation arises, we have knocked down the notion that everything but ourselves comes first. In a world that's going primarily digital, people can easily access tips on treating their mental health by researching their phones or opening up a social media app. Each reliable outlet is at our disposal in a world that will cater to our every need. Moreover, as we dip further into a global pandemic, we've begun to rely on these sources with every passing day. The body and case counts continue to skyrocket, and before you know it, we're scrolling through countless heartbreaking stories. If it weren't for the journalists who continuously act as our eyes and ears on the ground, our world would be drowning in chaos. However, with journalists forced to relive grief with each typed-up article and television segment, we must wonder who cares for our correspondents?
With the ongoing pandemic, journalists face extreme mental distress the more our news cycle spirals. Reporter, An Xiao Mina writes that "societies can experience significant changes during pandemics," which have led to a "noticeable shift in the field of journalism." The constant Covid-19 coverage has increased the typical mental health problems that plague journalists. As we rely on other human beings to source our news during a shifting climate, Xiao Mina references a critical survey. The reporter highlights a striking figure in the Reuters Institute of Journalism survey where they declare "around 70 percent [of their correspondents], suffer from some levels of psychological distress." In the next breath, Xiao Mina continues with another statistic from a separate outlet that has compiled their own "distressing statistics."
Can 2022 be a year when care becomes one of journalism’s core tenets?
Additionally, Xiao Mina writes four essential ways to help progress journalism in a direction that considers their correspondent's mental health.
Self-care is only one of many components of care. Community care is equally vital.
True industry-wide changes in care require financial resources and structural support.
Care is an equity, diversity, and inclusion issue.
And,
Care belongs in the newsroom and in the news.
Throughout her write-up, Xiao Mina details how each of the four steps mentioned above can help the world of journalism create a safer environment. From budgeting money for the betterment of their journalists to creating diverse inclusion for those overlooked by society. Each of these principal suggestions can be incredibly beneficial, not just to journalism but to every company as well, especially as we continue to live in a world where Covid-19 seems far from finished with us. By the end of her feature, An Xiao Mina notes, "this pandemic is far from over" and that we should "remember to extend care to each other." Even in our current climate, our journalists deserve more compassion than we give them.
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