A mental health expert, Chioma Onyemobi, has advised journalists covering conflicts to prioritise self-care and mental well-being as they report on wars, insurgencies, communal clashes, and political unrest.
Onyemobi made the call during the mental health session of the maiden HumAngle Fellowship for Reporting Conflict and Missing Persons (HCMPF), held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The fellowship was organised by HumAngle in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Onyemobi, who serves as the Lead Psychologist at HumAngle, said self-care was essential for conflict reporters due to the nature of their work, which often involves examining the psychological impact of conflict on individuals and communities.
She explained that conflict reporters are particularly vulnerable to secondary trauma because of their constant exposure to distressing stories and images.
“Conflict reporters operate under immense psychological strain, often working in environments filled with danger and intense emotion,” Onyemobi said.
“To stay grounded and avoid burnout, they must practise deliberate self-care and emotional maintenance strategies that support both their mental and physical well-being.”
She encouraged journalists to cultivate supportive relationships with colleagues who understand the emotional demands of conflict reporting, noting that peer support groups can help them process their experiences and strengthen their resilience.
Onyemobi also advised the use of techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises during and after stressful assignments. She added that maintaining good physical health through adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise was equally important.
“Because conflict reporters work in unpredictable environments where they often witness violence, tragedy, and loss, they require emotional resilience to preserve both their mental well-being and professional effectiveness,” she said.
She warned that many journalists exposed to trauma may develop symptoms similar to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can arise after witnessing or experiencing traumatic events.
“Crisis reporting moves so quickly that journalists often feel pressured to suppress their emotions just to keep going. Over time, this emotional shutdown can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression,” Onyemobi added.
