Bukola Afeni
A mental Health Champion and Christian Psychologist, Dr Margaret Kagwe, has called on Journalists to maintain healthy living, by preventing mental stress and burnout in the course of duty.
The health expert disclosed this at an online zoom meeting with the Network of African Christian Journalists(NACJOURN).
She urged media practitioners to pay attention to their mental health despite their tight schedules.
“It is important to fill our mind with positive thoughts at all times to be able to get the best. It is important to eat well and engage in constant exercise. Surround yourself with positive people and not toxic people “.
In the same vein, she urged Journalists to maintain a healthy balance and voice out whenever they are being neglected.
She explained that Journalists are influential and powerful personalities who are usually treated with care, and urged them to utilise their power to do the right thing in society.
According to her, in the process of capturing news, Journalists are exposed to different types of emotions, she emphasized the need for mental detoxification.
“Due to the information that journalists process daily, they tend to struggle with mental health issues. They need to pay attention to their work-life balance”.
In some instances, the media practitioners are exposed to trauma in the course of duty while writing news daily.
” There are so many issues that happen that make them deal with guilt and mental struggles. The pressure of work can make some change their personality and embrace different character”.
She further added that the work schedule does not allow some to have time for personal relaxation and family members which often leads to burnout at times.
