Reporters facing PTSD
Text and drawing by Frits Ahlefeldt, DrawnJournalism.com
More than 28% of war correspondents* are affected by PTSD and many also by depression
More drawn journalism illustration posts
Journalists are too often, and more and more alone on assignment, far away from peers, handling all that needs to be done, to get the stories. toughening up and handling lack of security, sleep and tight deadlines on what-ever will help them through the next hours, days or weeks – till the job is done
The images, screams, close encounters, threats and edge situations is what the reporters have to handle later, when they are out of the conflict zone…
But after coming home it has often been taboo to be anything but tough, and self-medication was even seen as a badge of honor, in the shadow of Hemingway.
But the consequences, not only for the journalists, but also for their families, workplaces and friends are becoming more and more clear as new knowledge of PTSD and how it can affect reporters even years after coming home, becomes more accepted and the needed help easier to reach out for, and to give…
Research sources:
Poynter.org: My mental health Journey – And more on PTSD and reporters on Poynter.org
*US department of Veteran affairs ( the 28% number) : Journalists and PTSD
Reuters Article: When the news breaks the journalist
Keywords: drawnjournalism, visual journalism, illustration, drawing, news, journalistik, tegnetjournalistik, visuel journalistik, Graphic journalism, visualjournalism drawn journalism, psychology, thrive, ptsd, trauma, warzones, war reportage, journalism
Drawn Journalism by Frits Ahlefeldt 