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.