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By Udosen Precious Favour
Journalists in the country are experiencing mental health challenges affecting their productivity which need to be urgently addressed.
Instances of personal experiences were recalled at the Journalism and Society Conversation organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) on X Space on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Speakers at the virtual meeting included an investigative journalist with Daily Nigeria, Umar Audu, Assistant General Manager, News, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mrs Fortunate Ozo and President of Heartrose Care Foundation, Mrs Esther Adekoya.
Audu who started his career about seven years ago shared his experience on the ugly incidences he has faced in his journey as an Investigative reporter.
He recounted a near-attack while covering a documentary on insecurity in Northern Nigeria in 2022 following which he developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
When he opened up about his ordeal, he said he was met with unsettling responses, including being mocked and threatened.
“People would laugh and tell me, ‘God save you’’ he recalled, highlighting the stigma and lack of understanding surrounding mental health issues.
Ozo whose experience resulted to pregnancy loss, called for safe newsroom environments, functional mental health desks,healthy employer-employee relationships and recreational facilities for positive mental outlook.
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She also stressed the importance of having a good mental health and it’s impact in enhancing performance.
Adekoya emphasised mitigation of mental strain and the consequences of ignoring mental health which can affect the storytelling skills of a journalist.
By acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges, she said news organizations can foster a culture of openness in journalism.
