Mental health expert Chioma Onyemobi called on conflict reporters to actively guard their mental well-being as they cover wars, insurgencies, and political unrest. At the HumAngle Fellowship for Reporting Conflict and Missing Persons in Abuja, Onyemobi emphasized that self-care is essential due to the immense psychological stress conflict reporters face from exposure to trauma and distressing stories.
She highlighted that conflict reporting can lead to secondary trauma and mental health challenges resembling PTSD if emotions are suppressed in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Onyemobi advised deliberate self-care practices such as deep breathing, meditation, maintaining supportive peer relationships, and preserving physical health through sleep and nutrition.
The expert stressed the importance of emotional resilience to sustain both mental stability and professional effectiveness amid unpredictable and often dangerous assignments.
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