The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underpinned the significance of providing psychosocial and emotional support for journalists’ mental health and well-being.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire said that continuous collaboration with stakeholders in the health and media sector will assist in developing a robust mental health awareness program tailored for media workers.
He established that engaging in open dialogue on mental health will aid in eradicating the stigma associated with journalists reporting from the frontline.
“We need to carry out continuous training on coping mechanisms and stress management among journalists as well as provide access to counseling services”, he said while addressing journalists at a Mental Health Roundtable meeting in Nairobi.
“There is a need to incorporate mental health awareness in journalism curriculums and media policies to prepare current and future journalists for the challenges they may face”, he added.
Psychiatrist/Counsellor Dr Violet Oketch noted that mental health issues transcend societal boundaries and journalists being the first responders to tragic incidents, are often traumatised and should seek immediate help.
“As we continue to sensitise media workers on the importance of self-care, we need to create a safe space among peers to help them discern the ills they face as well as cope with various mental health issues affecting them in the line of duty”, she said.
Additionally, Acting Executive Director of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), Ms Sharon Kechula, appealed to journalists experiencing mental health issues to seek assistance and support to enhance their mental well-being.
The round table on mental health was convened by the Media Council of Kenya in collaboration with media associations and support groups together with strategic health partners.