Lesson 5

Overview 

It’s important for journalists to know how to cope with anxiety, depression, and stress while on the job. This lesson includes coping mechanisms and self-care for journalists. The purpose of this lesson is to get journalists to understand they need to prioritize their mental health. This lesson will also teach students the importance of articulating any mental health issues that arise on the job, in addition to providing resources journalists can use should they be distressed from covering trauma.

 Goals for Lesson:

 Students will be able to:

* understand how to manage any psychological effects that come with covering trauma

* learn how to seek resources if experiencing anxiety/depression while covering trauma

* learn coping mechanisms and self-care remedies

 Class Length: 80 minutes

 Materials/Resources:

1.     PowerPoint Presentation : PowerPoint on how journalists can take care of themselves.pptx

2.     Youtube Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HynSYdOwAZE (From 25:40 on)

3.     Resources for dealing with trauma: https://dartcenter.org/resources/journalists-coping-trauma

4.     Self-Care Worksheet: Trauma Self-Care Worksheet.docx

 Lesson Step by Step

 1.     First 5 Minutes – Collect homework from previous class. Go over any questions or concerns

with students

2.     Next 5 Minutes – Give students introduction on the lesson for today.

a.      Why we’re going over this information

b.     What you want them to get out of the lesson

c.      If they have any questions before we start

3.     Next 25 Minutes – PowerPoint Presentation- 8 Ways to take care of yourself while covering

trauma: PowerPoint on how journalists can take care of themselves.pptx

a.      You are not immune

b.     Lean on your village

c.      Pay attention to your body and mind

d.     Doing a quick self-check-in for burnout

e.      See if company has resources

f.      Don’t be ashamed of therapy

g.     Don’t let your job be your life

h.     Find your peace

Be sure to spend a few minutes on each one.

 4.     Next 20 Minutes – Watch YouTube Video (Self-Care on the frontline for journalists)

a.      Start video at the 25:18.

b.     Things to discuss with class

         i.     Remember you’re a human first

         ii.     Find ways to disengage from the news

         iii.     “You are nicer to your coffee maker than you are to yourself. At least you turn your coffee maker off

when you’re not using it. You must unplug from news.”

c.      Play video until the 33:01 mark where through where they talk about resources.

5.     Next 10 Minutes – Go over Resources for help: https://dartcenter.org/resources/journalists-coping-trauma

a.      You can connect computer to over head projector so students can view website

b.     Under the “Getting Help” section, go over:

1.     The Journalist Trauma Support Network

2.     Choosing a psychotherapist

c.      Under the “Apps and online tools for self-care” section, go over:

1.     Insight timer

2.     Mindfulness Coach

6.     Next 10 Minutes - Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms – It’s important for students to know harmful ways of coping with stress, anxiety, etc., that may come from covering trauma. Therefore, you can warn against those. Go over the following maladaptive coping mechanisms:

a.      Excessive alcohol consumption

b.     Social withdrawal

c.      Impulsive gambling

d.     Drug usage

7.     Next 10 minutes – Have students fill out the self-care worksheet: Trauma Self-Care Worksheet.docx

The purpose of this worksheet is for the students to keep this with them when they start their journalism careers. This is something they can always reference down the line. It will come in handy.

8.      Next 5 Minutes – Debrief

Ask students if they have any questions. Discuss anything they’re unclear about.