Stress and Distress: Knowing the Difference

No one becomes a freelance journalist to have a quiet life. It's safe to say that one reason they do it is for the excitement that working independently can bring. But no one said it would be easy. The excitement and freedom that make being a freelancer desirable are also the very things that can make it more difficult to manage stress - especially post-trauma stress.

Freelancers are frequently exposed to death and injury as part of their daily work - especially if they cover war zones or other hostile environments - like cities. But because they operate independently, don't have corporate structures to support them and are always chasing the next story, they're at a higher than normal risk for stress related problems.

Effects such as recurring flashbacks or dreams, high tension, excessive watchfulness, jumpiness and irritability might be normal responses to the abnormal events viewed by freelancers every day. The key is to manage the stress so it doesn't manage you.

How? The first step is to get some knowledge - and if knowledge is power, then knowing how to manage stress is a nuclear battering ram. Do the research. Learn as much as you can about stress and your personal reactions to it. Training and other stress preparation often make it easier to cope. Get support and guidance. You're not alone. A good place to start is the internet or a specialised training provider that specializes in helping people manage the effects of extreme stress.

Most of the value you possess as a journalist is in your head. You protect your head with a helmet in a war zone. Shouldn't you also protect what's in it with training and preparation?

James R Alvarez PhD
CEO, Clarity Advisors Group, Ltd.

The Rory Peck Trust is working towards a scheme to offer a direct means of support to freelance media workers who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

Issue 14
April 2003

Supported by:

• How many more?
• War in Iraq: Statement
• Stress and Distress: Knowing the Difference
• Obituary: Paul Moran
• Obituary: Kaveh Golestan
• Inmarsat broadcasts its global support for journalists
• The Rory Peck Training Fund
• The Rory Peck Awards 2003
• Sony Impact Award
• Miguel Gil Journalism Award
• Advertisers

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