Experienced journalists share ways to overcome psychological challenges during the war

A public discussion on psychological challenges in modern Ukrainian journalism has recently been held by the 2402 Foundation in partnership with the Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers (UAPP).

The audience was presented with the interim results of a survey of media professionals on the impact of the profession on mental health, considered strategies for overcoming professional stress, and discussed emotional challenges and opportunities for maintaining psychological resilience.

Ukrainian photojournalist Yevhen Maloletka (Pulitzer Prize and World Press Photo laureate) shared his own experience. He spoke about the emotional side of working in dangerous zones, in particular, while documenting events in Mariupol.

The conclusions based on the interim results of the survey on the impact of work on the mental health of journalists in Ukraine were presented to the participants of the meeting by New York University Professor Lauren Walsh. (By the way, the survey is ongoing, and it is also presented on the NUJU website.) The data is needed to develop effective programs to support media workers. The full results will be published in March.

Oksana Parafeniuk (photographer for NYT, Washington Post, and Le Monde) sometimes spoke very emotionally about situations when their tragedy disrupted their balance for a long time and spoke about the psychological challenges she had to face.

The attention of the event participants was attracted by a thematic exhibition of literature, including a brochure from the NUJU Printed Press in Front-line and De-occupied Territories – Important!

Liudmyla Maznova, NUJU Information Service