Leona O'Neill - Breaking: Trauma in the Newsroom

In this episode Sam and Gareth engage in a profound conversation with journalist Leona O'Neill about her new co-edited book, Breaking Trauma in the Newsroom. The discussion delves into the mental health challenges faced by journalists, particularly those covering traumatic events. Leona shares personal stories and insights from her experiences and those of her colleagues, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional toll of reporting. The conversation also addresses the need for better mental health support in newsrooms and the impact of secondary trauma on journalists. Leona reflects on the tragic murder of Lyra McKee, the subsequent social media backlash, and the profound impact of online abuse on her mental health. She discusses the importance of resilience in journalism, the therapeutic nature of writing, and the need for societal change in how we address mental health and online harassment. The conversation emphasises the human cost of violence and the necessity for support systems for journalists and individuals affected by trauma.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leona O'Neill and Her Work 01:11 Exploring Trauma in the Newsroom 03:03 The Impact of Reporting on Journalists 06:21 Addressing Mental Health in Journalism 10:27 Recognizing Secondary Trauma 13:18 Personal Experiences of Trauma 19:41 The Night of Lyra McKee's Murder 28:15 The Aftermath of Trauma and Guilt 31:01 The Cost of Innocence: Reflecting on Loss 34:51 The Dark Side of Social Media: Conspiracy Theories and Abuse 43:39 The Impact of Online Abuse on Mental Health 51:02 Finding Healing Through Writing and Sharing Stories 58:03 Building Resilience in Journalism: A Call for Change

 

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