The Hidden Side of Mental Health in Journalism and Law Enforcement

October 11, 2023
Mike Matranga

 

In today’s fast-paced and often unforgiving world of journalism, one seldom hears the mental health stories behind the storytellers. The mental toll it takes to uncover and report on harrowing events is a subject rarely broached. But the latest episode of SecurED changes that. Host and CEO of M6 Global Defense, Mike Matranga, delves into this critical issue with Anastasiya Bolton, Founder & CEO of ViKSTORY Media.

The Underlying Question:

How can journalists confront and cope with the traumatic experiences they encounter while reporting, and how can schools better support the mental health of students and staff following tragic events?

The Discussion Scope:

In this candid conversation, Matranga and Bolton shed light on a pressing concern that’s rarely discussed in media circles. The focus is twofold – the mental health of journalists and that of school communities impacted by tragic events, such as mass shootings. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Normalizing Journalists’ Mental Health:

Anastasiya Bolton emphasizes the need for journalists to break their silence about the emotional trauma they often endure due to their work. Journalists witness distressing events, yet they rarely discuss their own struggles. This silence, Bolton argues, should be broken, and there should be a push to normalize these conversations within the media industry.

2. Monitoring Mental Health Post-Tragedy:

The discussion also shifts towards the mental health of school communities, specifically in the aftermath of events like mass shootings. Bolton raises concerns about the resources available to monitor the well-being of staff and students returning to school. She highlights the need for comprehensive health support and training for educators, superintendents, and school board members to address the challenges faced by these communities.

3. Communicating Trauma and Its Impact:

Effective communication strategies play a vital role in helping individuals deal with trauma. Mike Matranga shares his personal experiences of stress and traumatic events, which are not uncommon among many individuals. The discussion highlights that trauma is not a competition, and recognizing the signs and symptoms in oneself can be a crucial step towards seeking help.

Anastasiya Bolton: A Voice for Change

Anastasiya Bolton brings a wealth of experience to this discussion. As the Founder & CEO of ViKSTORY Media, she’s not only a journalist but a vocal advocate for open conversations about mental health, particularly in the world of journalism. Her insights into victim advocacy and communication strategies offer valuable guidance in tackling the mental health challenges faced by communities affected by traumatic events.

This conversation was continued in another episode!

Recent Episodes

strategic scheduling
View episode

  Author: Michael Horn Educational institutions today are facing a financial precipice, with declining enrollments and funding cuts. Many schools are struggling to adapt to these fiscal pressures, highlighting the need for transformative solutions. This scenario raises an urgent need for innovative strategies like strategic scheduling to manage resources efficiently. What innovative approaches can districts […]

charting the course for education
View episode

  Charting the course for education in the post-pandemic era is more than timely; it’s imperative. The traditional education system faces challenges in adapting to a rapidly changing world. Only 35 percent of U.S. fourth-grade students tested as proficient readers during the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress, and the global pandemic worsened the situation. […]

The Lifeline of Crisis Management: Effective Communication
View episode

In an age where communication should be seamless, why is it that institutions, particularly in the realm of security, often choose silence as their response to crises? Join host Mike Matranga and special guest Anastasiya Bolton as they dissect the crucial importance of communication in security incidents, debunking the notion that less is more. The […]