On 8th June 2022, we facilitated a group therapy session for female journalists in Abuja who work on topics related to sexual and gender-based violence, terrorism, and conflicts, for Paged Initiative and Jela’s Development Initiative.

We explored secondary trauma, their experiences, and how to recognize and manage signs of trauma. It was quite an intense session and we ended with a nice meditation session to set an easy tone for the rest of the day.

As we continue to advocate for mental health in all spaces, it is important that frontline workers are not neglected.

During our June #speakout monthly Twitter space on the topic: Coping with negative news and events, we had diverse speakers, including journalists, sharing their experiences of being on the front line of conflicts. Alkassim Abdulkadir, a journalist and communications expert shared horrid experiences on the length they go to report news and how traumatic the process is for them. You can listen to the recording of the space here.

Mental health is a priority. Although not every individual will require expert support for their mental wellbeing, it is important to have the option readily available.