What it takes to be
Seminars, like the 2015 portland journalism convention, are essential in the life of every professional engaged in the field of journalism or mass media. If you want to become a great writer, reporter or journalist, it is imperative on your part to sign up for great seminars and conventions. In my part, it has always been fun and exciting for me to join similar events. I look at each event as an opportunity to widen my horizon.
Having qualifications in mass communication and journalism can allow you to be employed in the fields of advertising, public relations, publishing, and media. Working in these fields requires fundamental skills in delivering information through techniques in mass communication. Individuals who are successful in these fields usually have excellent skills in presentation and writing. They are also capable of collaborating with various members of a team. And they understand how technology is used in their field.
Continue reading “For Those Who Are Taking Up Journalism And Mass Communication”
If you have a degree in Journalism, you are not limited to the usual jobs in traditional media. Below are some jobs that graduates of journalism can get.
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As a journalist, I’ve had my share of criticisms and negative public comments because of sensitive articles that I have written through the years. In fact, I have received about five death threats saying that I was a curse to them, and they wished I would disappear in the face of the earth. But I took it upon myself to fall blind and deaf to these negativities, knowing that my job has been taking a toll on my mental health, and psychologists can further back this.
A brief and simple background that you need to know about me as a journalist is that I am not a crime reporter, nor a White House correspondent. I am not a journalist who is focused particularly on terrorism or abuse of power. I am simply a journalist with a little over ten years in the company. And I have just contemplated how my job has taken a toll on my mental health.
My Growing Psychological Concerns
I understand Sonja Seglin, LCPC when he said, “Stress can seem omnipresent. Between working, socializing and taking care of the home, it sometimes seems we don’t have a minute to ourselves, let alone enough time to really take care of our bodies and minds.” Over the years, I had a feeling that my psychological concerns – constant anxiety, bouts of depression, an erratic feeling of discontentment from my work, creeping fear of losing pleasure happiness in my life – may all be related to the stresses that my work has placed onto me. My husband urged me to see a psychiatrist and true enough; she told me I had a case of what she called a ‘burnout.’ It was something that interfered with work and life balance, and one’s ability to remain determined, happy, and hopeful is almost lost. I was mentally and physically drained, and the fatigue was catching up with me.
So amid my daily routine of working out, watching sad movies, and calling for takeout, I began to find the answers to a question that’s been lingering in my mind: Is being a journalist a risk for mental illness?
I read about journalists like me who have been talking about how their work has had a negative effect on them. They claimed to have experienced what they called journalism-induced burnout. One news reporter shared her story about how she had PTSD after her Haiti earthquake coverage. Others suffer from depression over reporting about multiple deaths.
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However, experts say that journalists are only least among the professionals that regularly tackle with trauma. Anthony Feinstein, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto, concluded after his research that generally throughout the 1990s, he found no article devoted to the subject of trauma and other psychological issues.
The Stigma On Mental Illness
It is safe to say that despite the growing research on the mental illness among professionals, journalists still get the perception that they are not prone to developing a mental condition compared to those that are facing risky experiences like the firefighters, cops, and war veterans. But I believe in Erica Thompson, LMFT, LPCC statement that “Mental health struggles are real. They can be painful. You may feel alone. In some of the darkest times, you may feel like something is “wrong” with you to the core.” People still find it more convenient to discuss trauma in the military compared to journalists. Thus, the stigma surrounding journalists and mental health is still tremendous.
As a field reporter, you are expected to report about the trauma – you’re not supposed to be suffering from trauma yourself. Perhaps this is why a lot of journalists are hesitant to tell someone that they don’t feel emotionally or mentally well unless they have suffered too much and have gotten to the stage of burnout. That is exactly what happened to me. I just internalized the stigma so much, and I convinced myself that I had to be strong and resilient, and I should not let my job negatively affect me. But sooner than later, it did, and my dream job became my nightmare.
Getting My Job – And Myself – Back
It took me about two months to focus on resting and recovering and caring for myself. I saw a therapist once or twice a week to talk about my emotions and how I could cope with everything. The therapist walked me through some effective tools that would help me handle my issues in case I would feel on edge. I took a leave to clear my mind and decide whether or not journalism was for me.
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When my energy and mood improved, I realized that being a journalist was the most fulfilling job for me, and I wasn’t going to let that go. Armed with a stronger spirit and a whole lot of knowledge about caring for my mental health, I was ready to go back to work.
Alicia H. Clark, Psy.D. once said, “The sensation of pressure doesn’t have to be negative—it can be a positive challenge and motivating.” I have been distraught by my job, to the point where I almost lost it, and I am okay to admit that. Now I know through my therapist and support network of friends and family that I cannot just ignore these mental health problems that can put me at risk of being an ineffective journalist. Because to get a story straight, I must be straight in mind, body, and spirit.
Ever consider the importance that we have as a society today when it comes to influencing media coverage and public dialogue as a citizen journalist? Since power is the disposal of almost everyone’s access to the popularity of mobile gadgets along with the internet, we can say that journalism is way too in demand. It captures footages that serve the interest of the public. Aside from that, the sharing of its news in social media and its platforms are very accessible. So how do therapists look at its value concerning sharing information about mental health issues?
It Serves Its Purpose
A lot of people are either ignorant or aware of mental health issues. Though alot understand that “Suffering has complicated factors that interface including: physical, psychological, social, emotional and neurological.” Karen Doll, Psy.D., L.P. says. Some are not adequately educated with stuff while others are trying their best to learn more about it. But even though there are tons of resources that people can use, there are still instances that information needs proof and validation. That is because it is human nature to pay attention only if they see it happening or they are experiencing it first-hand. So concerning mental health problems, most individuals are still questioning its existence, cause, and likely results. That is the reason why citizen journaling becomes handy.
Recent incidents, stories, and cases of mental illness that are worthy of public attention are the things that citizen journalists with citizen journalism ethics take into account these days. Yes, some are still concern about some instances of road rage, local issues, and even neighborhood development. But the great thing about delivering mental health news to the community is its awareness. When people can get a grip of what is currently happening in the healthcare sections, it allows them to talk about it more often. It provides information to everyone who knows nothing about significant mental health issues as well. From there, the whole exchange of information which started from a concerned citizen can open a substantial value to every community’s desired resolution. Deborah Serani, PsyD used to say, “A mental illness cannot be willed away or brushed aside with a change in attitude. Ignoring the problem doesn’t give it the slip either.” And she’s right.
The Downside
Professional experts, along with the public, value citizen journalism. That is because of its potential to educate people in an instant. The whole idea is not time-bounded, it does not limit its scope to what is only available, and it is not that hard to process. Citizen journalism can reach a vast audience in no time. However, though its purpose was solely for the benefit of public information, there are cases that it somehow becomes the cause of the problem.
When citizen journalism starts to become selfish, the totality of its purpose gets corrupted. That explains why sometimes some individuals who can share information use their power to control the news. And because their main goal is only to get viral, the quality and credibility of these people’s journalism create chaos. Meaning, instead of the public receiving awareness, they tend to suffer in fear and anxiety. When that particular thing happens, the community starts to collapse. There will be no truths behind information, and there will be no resolutions in every problem.
Insight
Since we are individuals who use different types of media and social platforms, we understand the need for credibility. Our eagerness to know things around us is what makes us active in community participation. It is our way of contributing something to the betterment of our society. With that, all of us need to become responsible for creating, sharing, and spreading information. Because the truth is, citizen journaling is not just a journalist’s task. All of us are responsible for taking actions for our community development. As for mental health awareness, there are still a lot of cases and conditions like anxiety, bipolar, depression, PTSD, and more that people are still trying to understand. Everyone no matter the age, status, and race can be prone to having mental disorders, there are even famous people with depression despite their success. Professional journalists or not, part of the responsibility is to let the public know the conditions’ cause, effect, and treatment. “Awareness is the beginning of all change.” And Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT is correct with that statement.
In today’s generation, the way we report the news is entirely accessible and unfathomable. Sharing information to everybody can happen in just the tip of a finger. The small devices we have partnered with the internet can make a lot of difference. But again, as aspiring citizen journalists, we need to know where we want our news to go. We have to always aim for action and response. That even if the story is negative, people should get a hold of it to support positivity, compassion, and awareness.
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The 2016 Detroit National Writers Series Conference was a successful gathering of motivational speakers and seasoned and aspiring writers all over Detroit and the neighboring cities. Even the journalists and guest attendees who were there enjoyed listening as much as the writers. I, for one, was amazed at how much I learned and I would recommend anyone interested in propelling their writing careers to start saving some cash and book a seat at a writer’s conference soon. Here are some of the reasons why.
1. It’ll be an advantage to you no matter how new or seasoned a writer you are. For the new writer, you’ll get to learn tips from reputable speakers who talk about their successful books. For the old, well, you can never be too old not to learn something new. And yes, there are always some new tricks that old dogs can learn.
2. It will tremendously help improve your career. Attending writing conferences are an opportunity to get legitimate answers from powerful writers and journalists. They can be your next step to moving your writing skills to the next level.
3. Meeting other writers will inspire and encourage you to do better. Writers usually work alone, to inspire themselves by a thought, so to say. But being surrounded by writers of different personalities will probably enlighten you as a writer to open your doors to more niches and more topics to write on.
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4. It will be a chance to talk to agents one on one. There will be a lot of agents in a writing conference and you would be the unluckiest if you won’t get to talk to one of them. Rather than having to wait for feedback from your book that you usually email or mail through a package, here you’ll get instant feedback and will be able to correct mistakes quickly.
5. You connect with writer friends from all over. These relationships will be valuable specifically because as a writer you are constantly going through a process. Your newly-found friends can now be your inspiration, partner, reviewer, and teacher.
The great thing about the 2015 Alaska Writers Guild Annual Conference is the organization’s support to those unpublished and published writings. Any individual who wishes to share and become part of a dynamic group are welcome. People can expect workshops that enhance a writer’s skills. These include writing fiction and non-fiction stories and storytelling.
The attendees receive a chance to work with agents, editors, public relations people, publishers, printers, and marketing strategists. These individuals offer valuable information that helps aspiring and eligible writers to achieve and expect more on their field. And since most of the programs are designed to educate, the gathered information and plan becomes an asset for writing action and literature growth. These include keynotes for developing writing crafts, understanding the process of traditional publishing, writing self-publishing romance, creating a memoir, product marketing, finding beta readers, and more.
What The Conference Offers To The Attendees
One of the premier events of the conference is the display of juried portfolio of the best writers and publishers. The program offers the best of the best collection of writings that suit every individual’s needs. Thousands of writers gather and compete to write movie scripts, television and news programs, animations, documentaries, videogames, and media contents. There’s also an awarding ceremony for the most promising manuscript submitted to the writing competition. People can also enter a 3-hour intensive workshop that offers an in-depth experience that talks anything about literature. There is an optional roundtable critique available in the conference that provides information and tips on better writing. They help people understand the difference between the many genres of literature. People also get to experience book sales at the conference too.
There are a lot of things great about the event that keeps everybody entertained and informed at the same time. If you missed out the fun and excitement at the last conference, make sure to attend the upcoming ones.
Gizmos that offer voice-recording capabilities have a unique place in the hearts of family members and professionals out there. However, they are especially useful for journalists who can utilize digital recorders during interviews and discussions with their subjects. One major benefit that is apparent about such products is their compactness, which makes it effortless for the users to keep them hidden in their pockets. It is also excellent that most of them can last longer than a full day. Thus, the news reporters can go on lengthy coverage without needing to recharge the device several times.
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A lot of things get considered when it comes to good writing. There are techniques, affection, relation, and environmental connection. All of which makes every inch of it becomes valuable. But how can someone determine the principle of good journalism? Well, here are the things you need to know.
Never Take Favors – A good journalist knows the importance of work ethics. That’s the reason why accepting favors should NOT have to become inclined with the writer’s principle. Whether the courtesy is for someone he loves, for people he had gratitude with, or individuals he believes relies on them, favors shouldn’t exist at all. There must be independence and commitment to public service regardless of the involvement of people he knows.
Never Take Sides – Controversy is always a big part of journalism. But it’s not enough reason for the writer to take sides. Not only it is unfair for the common good of the people, but it is also improper in the principle of good journalism. Because with its continuous existence, it limits the capability to speak the truth about power from all available sources. Journalism becomes bias, unbelievable, and complete rubbish.
Rely On Facts – One of the best characteristics of a good journalist is the ability to determine lies and truths. There’s always a secure amount of time given to fact-checking before publishing or reporting anything. The boundary of fact-based writing always improves and increases the quality of work of the writer. Since the accuracy of the information is essential in journalism, credibility needs to stay intact.
Focused Public Service – Reporting news doesn’t require to be sensationalized, but should instead reach the public without manipulation. A good journalist doesn’t create excuses, always avoids mistakes, and at least find time to double check everything before publishing any writing. The goal of journalism is incessantly for the betterment of the public. It’s not about what’s current or what people should expect. News must be informative so people can have the chance to know, react, and get involved.
No Personal Agenda – When it comes to reporting, it’s always considered when informative and useful. Therefore, a journalist should not base his writing on his personal agenda. The topics he heeds must be about the things that help the community without the assumption of getting something in return. It also has to be open for comments, suggestions and public opinions. Every issue he tackles must focus on social service and community betterment.
Listens To Feedback – A journalist’s goal is to extend information. However, not all people will be pleased with particular news. So instead of complaining about people’s reaction, the writer should make some time to consider improvement for any possible system damage. Since journalism is a crucial and controversial field, a journalist should accept feedback and use its impact for more sensible reporting.
Journalism is not a habit, but a responsibility to the public instead. Once a person dedicates his life to the benefits of the truth, he’ll always make use of it for societal advancement.
Nowadays, mental health illnesses are a threat to human existence as much as every fatal diseases and accident. However, people don’t fully understand this. They underestimate the danger of depression, anxiety, and other personality disorders. Continue reading “10 Ways You Can Spread Mental Health Awareness”