Journalists can go through a lot of challenges in their work that’s not often talked about when discussing the role, a journalist plays. These challenges can take a toll on journalists and make it difficult for them to do their job effectively. Some of these challenges include harassment and threats- especially when covering controversial topics or prominent people. Although this has almost always been the unfortunate truth in recent years the backlash has gotten worse due to the first former president to ever face criminal charges, Donald Trump and his opinions on the media. In his words “The media is the enemy of the people and the real opposition party.” Journalists may also be put into physical danger or even killed when reporting on conflict, crime or in other dangerous situations. Female Journalists have sometimes described sexual assault as something that just comes with the job. Journalists also see things the general public often does not and are privy to the trauma that comes with the territory.  

It’s important for journalists to take care of themselves. Whenever you cover something traumatic it’s important to take the steps to see someone afterwards rather than just shake it off. Even if in the initial moment you think you can deal with it on your own, trauma has a way of catching up with you. I’m a big advocate for therapy. It saved my life and helped me get onto a better road, and I think everyone should go. Mental health professionals can help you process things better than you can on your own and give you tools to deal with emotions you can’t quite shake, as well as just giving you a judgement free zone to vent. Informing the public is an important job but you cannot pour from an empty cup.