Mental Health Resources for UK Journalists

Journalism is a profession that routinely exposes practitioners to trauma, stress, and emotional strain. From covering violent crimes and disasters to facing online abuse and job insecurity, UK journalists face mental health challenges that are often overlooked or minimised within the industry. Research by the Reuters Institute found that nearly half of journalists reported symptoms of burnout, while studies by the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma have documented elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among reporters.

This guide brings together the key mental health resources available to UK journalists, along with practical strategies for protecting your wellbeing.

Helplines and Immediate Support

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, the following services are available:

Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org. Available to anyone in emotional distress, not just those who are suicidal.
SHOUT: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential crisis support via text message, available 24/7.
Mind Infoline: Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) for information and signposting to local mental health services.
NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health support.

Journalism-Specific Support

The Journalists' Charity

Founded in 1864, the Journalists' Charity provides financial assistance and emotional support to journalists and their families who are experiencing hardship. This includes funding for counselling and therapy, as well as grants for those facing financial difficulty due to illness or job loss. Contact them through their website or call their helpline for a confidential conversation.

NUJ Welfare Support

The National Union of Journalists offers welfare support to its members, including access to counselling services and advice on workplace mental health issues. If you are an NUJ member and your mental health is being affected by your work, contact your regional office or chapel representative. The NUJ can also intervene with employers where workload or working conditions are contributing to mental health problems.

Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

Based at Columbia University with a European office, the Dart Center provides resources, training, and research specifically focused on journalism and trauma. Their website offers practical guides on covering traumatic events, managing vicarious trauma, and building resilience. They also run workshops for journalists and newsroom managers.

Common Mental Health Challenges in Journalism

Vicarious Trauma

Also known as secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma occurs when journalists are repeatedly exposed to distressing material — whether through interviewing survivors, reviewing graphic footage, or immersing themselves in traumatic stories. Symptoms can mirror those of PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, irritability, and sleep disturbance.

Strategies for managing vicarious trauma include:

Limiting your exposure to graphic material where possible — you do not need to watch distressing footage repeatedly
Taking regular breaks during and after work on traumatic stories
Talking to colleagues or a therapist about what you are experiencing
Maintaining boundaries between work and personal life

Online Abuse and Harassment

UK journalists, particularly women and those from minority backgrounds, face significant levels of online abuse. Research by the International Federation of Journalists found that more than two-thirds of women journalists have experienced online harassment. This abuse can cause anxiety, depression, and self-censorship.

Practical steps for managing online abuse include:

Use blocklists and mute functions liberally — there is no obligation to engage with abusers
Document serious threats and report them to your employer, the police, or the NUJ
Consider separating your professional and personal social media accounts
Talk to your editor about institutional support for journalists facing targeted harassment

Burnout

The constant pressure of deadlines, the 24-hour news cycle, and the financial precariousness of modern journalism all contribute to burnout. Signs include chronic exhaustion, cynicism about your work, reduced professional efficacy, and physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems.

If you recognise these signs in yourself:

Talk to your editor or manager about your workload — most would rather adjust your duties than lose you entirely
Take your annual leave and use it properly — do not work on holiday
Consider whether your current role or employer is compatible with sustainable practice
Seek professional help if symptoms persist

What Newsrooms Should Be Doing

Mental health is not solely an individual responsibility. Newsrooms and employers have a duty of care to their staff. Best practice includes:

Providing access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) with counselling services
Training managers to recognise signs of trauma and burnout in their teams
Conducting risk assessments before assigning journalists to potentially traumatic stories
Offering debriefing sessions after coverage of major traumatic events
Creating a culture where it is acceptable to say "I need a break from this story"

Self-Care Is Not Weakness

Journalism has a long tradition of stoicism — the idea that tough reporters can handle anything. This culture is slowly changing, but many journalists still feel reluctant to admit they are struggling. It is important to recognise that seeking help is a sign of professional maturity, not weakness. The best journalists are those who can sustain long careers without burning out, and that requires looking after yourself.