Journalists Urged to Protect Their Mental Health Amid Busy Routines

Journalists Urged to Protect Their Mental Health Amid Busy Routines

In response to the rapid pace of information sharing, journalists are frequently exposed to high work pressure and tight schedules. To acknowledge this burden, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) organised a media gathering titled ‘Nurturing Gratitude through Art and Impactful Journalism’ at the Pullman Central Park Hotel in West Jakarta on Friday, 6 March. The event was designed not merely as a formal agenda but as a safe space for media professionals to pause from reporting duties and reflect. In psychology, simple steps such as cultivating gratitude and forgiving oneself are effective ways to maintain emotional balance under pressure.

Art of Managing Emotions Amid Routine

Through an interactive workshop guided by the UPH Psychology Study Program team, journalists were invited to understand the concept of gratitude as a reflective approach to understanding life experiences with a healthier perspective. Karel Karsten Himawan, head of UPH’s Psychology Study Program, stressed that forgiving is the entry point to self-acceptance. ‘May through this activity, each of us be more inspired to understand the true meaning of forgiving and learn to always be grateful in every situation,’ said Karel. Journalists were guided through a series of activities to unravel emotional burdens:

Appreciation for Guardians of Public Dialogue

Andry M. Panjaitan, Associate Vice President of Student Development, Alumni and Corporate Relations UPH, said the meeting is a form of appreciation for journalists who play a crucial role in shaping public discourse. ‘We express our thanks and appreciation to our fellow media colleagues who have helped voice UPH’s initiatives and achievements,’ Andry said. The event, which was also attended by Osmar Silalahi, Deputy Head of the TNI Information Center, concluded with a communal breaking of the fast. UPH hopes that through strengthened mental health, journalists can continue to practise their profession with responsibility and deliver a positive impact for society.