S3, Ep5: Trauma in the newsroom with Leona O'Neill

In this weeks episode I am joined by Leona O'Neill, who is a Lecturer of Journalism at University of Ulster, Author and Tedx Speaker after spending 25-years as a news journalist in Northern Ireland.

Leona co-edited 'Breaking:  Trauma in the Newsroom' alongside BBC's Chris Lindsay.  The book is a collection of real-life stories written by journalists who witness and experienced trauma as a result of doing their job reporting on the conflict and troubles in Northern Ireland.  

During our conversation, we talk about:

• Leona's passion for journalism and how her career has developed over the years
• The culture of the newsroom and how it isn't supportive of trauma & the mental health of journalists 
• The impact of witnessing riots, conflict and other horrific news stories
• Coping strategies of journalists who've experienced secondary trauma 
• Witnessing the murder of Lyra McKee and a near-death experience
• Online abuse & threats
• The symptoms of PTSD 
• Why reaching out for support and help was so hard
• Post-traumatic growth
• Becoming a mental health activist 
• The hope and optimism for the future

I hope you enjoy the conversation.

If you have been affected by the conflict in Northern Ireland, you can reach out to Wave Trauma Centre - www.wavetraumacentre.org.uk

Click here to buy Breaking:  Trauma in the Newsroom

You can fellow Leona O'Neill at IG@leonaoneillireland