Trauma coverage tips for reporters

Trauma coverage tips for reporters

Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Whether they be brutal crimes, bloody riots, atrocious bomb attacks, killer quakes or devastating tsunamis, journalists will often have to cover such "traumatizing events" -- incidents so overwhelming that the people who experience them face such tremendous fear, intense physical pain or both that they end up in a severe state of psychological shock.

And though journalists, with their keen instinct and training for news, might view the events as an endless well of stories to report on with objectivity and distance, there are several guidelines they should consider when following this line of duty.

Apart from showing respect to victims and survivors of the events, the guidelines are also important for the journalists' own sake, as anyone who has had regular contact with traumatized people is at risk of becoming emotionally injured themselves, and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include recurring intrusive memories of the traumatic experience, a feeling of detachment, estrangement or "psychological numbing", and a heightened sense of anxiety or a lowering of their "fear threshold".

The following is a compilation of key guidelines summarized from Yayasan Pulih, a trauma counseling foundation, and the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma:

* Because journalists -- like the police, fire fighters and paramedics -- will often be first responders arriving at the scene just minutes after a disaster strikes, safety should always come first. If possible, find out the nature of the situation before arriving on the scene from other first responders, public information officers and those in charge of the emergency- response operation.

* Remember to be sensitive and respectful when approaching people who may have been traumatized by a certain event. Start the conversation by introducing yourself and asking sympathetically how they are, which will give a sense of their mental state.

* Avoid gathering eyewitness accounts from those still in shock from the event or who are openly grieving. If someone refuses an interview, stay respectful and polite. Consider leaving them your business card, as they may decide to talk about their experiences later, and they will likely call the reporter who made the best impression -- that is, made them feel respected as a human being, not a news "subject".

* Traumatized children may want to tell their story, but it might not be in their best interests to be interviewed, and in some circumstances, could exacerbate their exposure to trauma. Have a parent or mental health professional present when interviewing a child or teen.

* Journalists can help victims and survivors tell their stories in ways that are constructive and that also make for great journalism. Pay attention to your own emotions during the interview and let your reactions inform your reporting while still remaining professional. If you find something emotionally stirring, chances are readers will too.

* For many, it may be painful to revisit a tragedy, so avoid gratuitous retelling of destruction and carnage, focusing instead on how victims and survivors are recovering.

* If you have witnessed a traumatic event or listened to a survivor's story, find a way to relax. Take a holiday and practice some stress-reduction activities. Speaking about what you have witnessed with other journalists who have had similar experiences can also help release your emotional stress. Other journalists find that focusing on the public good that may result from their reporting can help them get through an emotionally draining assignment. If the distress doesn't subside over time, however, consider seeking professional help.

Sources: www.dartcenter.org; Paduan bagi jurnalis dalam meliput peristiwa traumatik (A guide for journalists covering traumatic events) by Yayasan Pulih.

NOTE: Yayasan Pulih's guide for journalists is free of charge, and is available through the foundation at Jl. Kemang III/8, Tel/Fax 0217195444, pulih@cbn.net.id. Contact: Niken. The guide is only available in Bahasa Indonesia at present. Pulih also provides counseling services for both Indonesian and foreign journalists.