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Those who read of Mayfield, KY, via Instagram there is a thought experiment being done where longform.org will be given a send-off as Roxanne Aalders will be working with Blurb via blurb.com/bookstore/c-blogs where examining where science and social studies education is often scarce. I have been a vendor with Barnes & Noble now off-n-on going on 11 years one of the places I do graphic design work with ended up getting Smashwords so those who are wanting to test the idea of being #published in print..
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You need to figure out a way to give yourself space to process – and sometimes distract yourself.
If you didn't feel things, you wouldn't be human, and journalism needs actual humans that care and feel emphathy.
That really resonates. I sometimes feel guilty for needing space, but like you said, we are not robots. It helps to hear that empathy is part of what makes us suited for this work, not a weakness.
You learn to stomach it, or you burn out and leave.
That is blunt but honest. I worry about burnout, and I see why some people leave. I am hoping I can learn the balance before it gets to that point.
I know this feeling. I'm squeamish by nature and have a hard time processing some of these stories. You really have to try to mentally distance yourself from it as much as possible. I find it helpful to try to view my role as paying tribute to the victim and ensuring their story gets told. It doesn't make any of it less nauseating, but having that sense of purpose makes it easier to push through.
I like that perspective of honouring the victim by telling their story. It shifts the focus from my own discomfort to the purpose behind the reporting. That feels like a healthier way to carry it.
If you believe in God ask for his help which He has said he will give.
Faith definitely helps some people ground themselves through hard stories. I appreciate the reminder to look beyond myself when things feel too heavy to carry alone.
Honor the victims of these injustices by being an accurate and honest journalist. Keep in mind that you are going to follow the story, hoping that justice is served and you can celebrate that by sharing the story with the world. Feel free to cry, rage, scream and yell at home, behind closed doors. Then wipe your tears, stuff that rage down and go out and do it again. Fill your downtime with things that bring you joy and light.
I think you have to work to not lose your empathy. You can tell it's missing from journalism, which is why a lot of people have lost trust in it. I think it's important to take time away from it and clear your mind, but your humanity is what makes you a good journalist
You are right, empathy is what connects readers to the story in the first place. Taking breaks feels almost selfish at times, but maybe it is the only way to keep that humanity intact long-term.
I have had that same gut-punch feeling. For me, it is about pacing—step away when you need to, and remember your role is to tell the story responsibly, not absorb all the pain.