Journalists learn the art of self-regulation in Zaporizhzhia

Endless air raids, the threat of shelling, loss of homes, and forced relocation negatively affect the psychological state of Ukrainians. How can we protect ourselves from these traumatic influences? Zaporizhzhia journalists received the answer to this question during the training titled How to Prevent Professional Burnout and Restore Psychological Stability. It was conducted at the Zaporizhzhia Journalists’ Solidarity Center (JSC) of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) by Olha Lotsman, a clinical psychologist at the regional rehabilitation center of the All-Ukrainian mental health program How Are You? At the rehabilitation center, she provides psychological assistance to our servicemen who are participating in combat operations or have returned from russian captivity. This is a complex, long, and responsible process.

Regarding recommendations for journalists, Olha Lotsman focused their attention on self-regulation techniques that will help overcome the key causes and consequences of emotional burnout. In particular, these are exercises to relax the body. When a person is very excited, breathing exercises will help. Exercises for self-regulation are practiced in a calm state so that. If necessary, they can be repeated. Together with the trainer, the journalists mastered several techniques that will help get rid of the negative effects of stress.

“I don’t like alarm sirens, especially night ones when it’s dark in the apartment because the next power outage is scheduled,” says radio journalist from Enerhodar Alla Shamrai. “There are many things I don’t like in this wartime! And with this “NO” I have to cope! Independently. Or – as during a conversation with friends at the Zaporizhzhia JSC.”

In a warm, cozy atmosphere, a frank conversation took place with Olha Lotsman about everything that worries prevents you from breathing freely and sleeping in a restless front-line city.

What does the trainer advise? She offers exercises to relax the body. Breathing exercises, self-regulation exercises, and other techniques we learned to get rid of the negative effects of stress are especially helpful. We sincerely thank Olha for her incredible training sessions, useful advice, and kindness and sincerity.

Call the Zaporizhzhia JSC at 096 277 5352 (Nataliya Kuzmenko and Valentyna Manzhura, the Zaporizhzhia JSC coordinators). The Center is located at 152 Sobornyi Avenue.

ABOUT JSC

The Journalists’ Solidarity Centers is an initiative of the NUJU implemented with the support of the International and European Federations of Journalists and UNESCO. The initiative is designated to help media representatives working in Ukraine during the war. The Centers operate in Kyiv, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro and provide journalists with organizational, technical, legal, psychological, and other types of assistance.

ABOUT UNESCO

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding. It is the coordinator of the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which aims to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers, thus strengthening peace, democracy, and sustainable development worldwide. UNESCO is working closely with its partner organizations in Ukraine to provide support to journalists on the ground.

The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this digest do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area or its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

The authors are responsible for the choice and the presentation of the facts contained in this digest and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit to the organization.

Nina Derkach

Photo by Dariya Zyrianova