Understanding Trauma and Strengthening Resiliency

The SAG-AFTRA News & Broadcast Department hosted Trauma Awareness and Self Care on Oct. 15, a webinar focusing on broadcasters’ mental health and well-being. The workshop was sponsored by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and presented by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism’s Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. SAG-AFTRA Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro gave the opening remarks with KNX host and broadcast member leader Frank Mottek moderated.

“This is an exceptional period of stress from COVID and also a period of trauma in the news cycle, in which some of the most fundamental inequities of our society are affecting us in a very personal way,” said Dart Center Executive Director Bruce Shapiro. 

As a broadcaster and instructor who has worked with many mental health professionals, Shapiro led an interactive 90-minute discussion about the ongoing effects of stress on broadcasters, such as burnout, anger or numbness. It was noted that although broadcasters have a unique resiliency to the challenges in their occupation, current events are causing many to experience trauma more acutely. 

“You need to think about what has worked for you and supported you at other tough times in the past and proactively [utilize] it now,” he suggested to participants.

Here are a few examples of strategies Shapiro and other broadcasters recommended to lessen exposure, stress and fatigue.

• Check in with colleagues and offer support. They, too, are feeling impacted by the news, and relaying those feelings can help you feel less isolated. “We’re in unprecedented times and unprecedented situations, and having that sense of support emotionally and professionally about the choices we’re making is really critical.”
• Take advantage of the resources provided. Whether it’s a support group from work or one-on-one conversations with a therapist, getting an objective point of view can help you make sense of your emotions. 
• Go on a “news diet” and limit your exposure to news and social media when you are not working. “Putting up boundaries can be really helpful [against] becoming addicted to a negative news cycle and going down the rabbit hole.”

To watch the full discussion, scroll below, and visit the Safety First hub or the News & Broadcast page for more on safety and self-care.

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.