Mental health and journalism, Part 5: A conversation with Hannah Storm

This summer, accomplished journalist and media consultant Hannah Storm published a personal story about her diagnosis with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The PTSD was a result of many traumas over the years, Storm wrote: it stemmed from experiences she had when reporting internationally on crises and disasters, and sexual assaults she survived when she was a young reporter. All were in some way related to her job.

While today more and more journalists, news organizations and media nonprofits begin to shine a light on the pervasiveness of violence against women journalists, there is still little discussion on how this has an impact on their mental health.

In our discussion, Storm helps us bridge that gap. She discusses her personal experience dealing with mental health issues, and offers expertise she gained while serving as the director of the International News Safety Institute, and the director and CEO of the Ethical Journalism Network, a role she holds today.

Our conversation is candid, personal and full of great advice for journalists, editors and newsroom managers.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• ICFJ/UNESCO survey on online harassment of women journalists
• Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
• TrollBusters
• IJNotes mental health and journalism podcast series
• IJNet resources
  • Managing stress and digital overload as a journalist
  • News and mental health: What journalists should know
  • Mental health tips and resources for journalists
  • Mental and physical health of reporters during COVID-19
  • Key quotes: Self-care on the frontline with Elaine Monaghan

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