A Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Adedotun Ajiboye, has urged journalists to pay closer attention to their mental health to effectively manage the pressures and stress associated with their profession.
Ajiboye, a lecturer at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, gave the advice while delivering a lecture at the 2025 Press Week of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Headquarters Chapel in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking on the topic “Mental Health,” Ajiboye noted that stress is an inevitable part of life, particularly for journalists who constantly face tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and exposure to traumatic events.
He explained that mental health could be viewed from three key dimensions — emotions, thoughts, and behaviour — warning that persistent negativity in any of these areas may indicate a decline in mental well-being.
Ajiboye cautioned that ignoring early warning signs such as irritability, sleeplessness, forgetfulness, or sudden mood changes could lead to more serious mental disorders like depression, anxiety, or substance dependence if left unchecked.
The psychologist observed that many individuals resort to alcohol, drugs, or other harmful habits to cope with stress, describing such behaviour as “negative coping mechanisms” that worsen existing challenges.
“You cannot use a problem to solve a problem.
Resorting to substances for relief only compounds the issue and undermines both mental and physical health,” Ajiboye said.
He further linked the rising rates of domestic violence, divorce, and workplace conflicts to unresolved childhood trauma and prolonged stress that often go unaddressed.
Ajiboye urged journalists to adopt healthy coping strategies by identifying the sources of their stress, confronting them constructively, and embracing lifestyle habits that promote emotional resilience and mental balance.
“Managing stress requires self-awareness and proactive action. Whatever you cannot identify, you cannot recover from. Understand your triggers, then deal with them at the root,” he emphasised.
He outlined four key strategies for maintaining good mental health:
- Staying connected to supportive people.
- Practising regular self-care.
- Seeking professional help when necessary.
- Maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Ajiboye also encouraged journalists to eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and remain socially active, noting that understanding stress as part of the job helps build better coping and problem-solving skills.
He stressed that good mental health enhances overall well-being — physically, psychologically, and socially — as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), urging journalists to prioritise wellness alongside professional excellence.
The 2025 NAN Press Week, themed “The Place of the Media in Shaping and Sustaining National Values,” provided a platform for discussions on journalism, ethics, and the well-being of media practitioners.
