Table of Contents
- Warning About Mental Health in Journalism
- Presentation at NUJ Retreat
- The Nature of Stress in Journalism
- Impact of Trauma on Journalists
- Call to Action for Journalists
- Examples of Mental Health Consequences
Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Shehu, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), has issued a strong warning that stress and mental health disorders pose significant and growing threats to the journalism profession in Nigeria and worldwide.
Shehu raised this concern while delivering a presentation titled “Pressure Amid Deadline: Psychiatric/Mental Health Precautions” during the 2025 Retreat of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He explained that the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of journalism exposes many professionals to chronic stress, trauma, depression, and other psychological issues.
“Journalists experience stress and are constantly under pressure to meet deadlines and deliver news,” he stated.
“What can we do about it? Although stress is a constant presence, the only place free of stress is the graveyard,” he added.
Shehu pointed out that reporters frequently witness tragic and traumatic events firsthand, which can silently impact their mental well-being over time.
He noted that, similar to military personnel, journalists are often present at horrific and tragic scenes, rendering them particularly susceptible to trauma.
He cautioned that if journalists do not begin to take mental health seriously, the industry may continue to lose professionals to depression, suicide, and stress-related illnesses.
The psychiatrist encouraged journalists to seek medical and emotional support when feeling overwhelmed, develop healthier work habits, recognize the sources of stress early, and prioritize sufficient sleep and rest.
He also shared instances of journalists who died by suicide or from untreated depression, emphasizing the necessity of treating psychological well-being with the same importance as physical health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main threats to journalists' mental health?
The main threats include chronic stress, trauma, depression, and other psychological disorders due to the high-pressure nature of the profession.
What can journalists do to manage stress?
Journalists should seek medical and emotional support, develop healthier work routines, identify stress triggers early, and prioritize adequate sleep and rest.
Why is it important to address mental health in journalism?
Addressing mental health is crucial to prevent loss of life due to depression and suicide, and to ensure the overall well-being of journalists in a demanding profession.
