Mental health in the media with Ryan Conway, Tommy Wathen and Rebecca Myers

SportSpiel

Alasdair Hooper and Will Moulton host the second of our Mental Health Awareness Week episodes all about mental health in the media.

Joining them are Ryan Conway, The Athletic's Derby County writer, Tommy Wathen, the Sport Social Media Editor for the Mirror, Express and Star, as well as Rebecca Myers of The Sunday Times.

Working in journalism and the media comes with incredible opportunities. The days are fast-paced, you get to speak to remarkable people and you can make a difference with your voice or your words.

But it also comes with significant struggles - the long hours, risk of burnout, stress and also social media abuse.

Mental health in journalism isn't often talked about but - particularly in the pandemic - it's something that needs a spotlight shone onto it.

It's one of the reasons why the website Newsbreak was created during the pandemic as a place for journalists to share their mental health stories. There hasn't been a proper conversation and, with most of us trading newsrooms for our homes, isolation has also been a battle.

In this podcast episode we look to unpick some of the mental health issues in the media as we all try and share some practical advice for what has worked for us, as well as how we individually cope with social media, which can be toxic at times.

Above all, even those days where you struggle, the chances are you are not along and journalists can help each other during these unprecedented times.
If you are struggling with your mental health here are some organisations who can help

• Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email [e-mail], in confidence
• Childline: Phone [phone]. Calls are free and won't show up on your bill
• PAPYRUS: A voluntary organisation supporting suicidal teens and young adults. Phone [phone]
• Depression Alliance: A charity for people with depression.
• Students Against Depression: A website for students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal.
• Bullying UK: A website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For young men who are feeling unhappy. Helpline 0800 58 58 58

Mental Health Awareness Week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. You can find more information and support it here - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Visit Newsbreak here - https://takeanewsbreak.com/
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Credits

Music: Otis McDonald