Leona O'Neill - Breaking: Trauma in the Newsroom

Shrapnel - Fragments of the Past, Present and Future in Northern Ireland

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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