Local journalists face a unique set of challenges, both practical and emotional, as you work to build your careers in a demanding field, yet mental health in journalism is not always an open topic.
From financial pressures to the emotional toll of reporting, each challenge needs a targeted approach to help you not only survive but thrive in your roles. Some of these challenges have been around for decades, but others are more recent. When I was in broadcasting, social media was in its infancy and podcasts were barely a thing. Now, many journalists are doing both.
While many are looking to jump out of journalism, for those of you looking to stay in, identifying the right tools and resources may be critical to keeping your mental health in balance.
Mental Health in Journalism – 10 Challenges and Ideas for Local Journalists
1. Burnout and Overwork
Young professionals in local journalism, whether in their first year or fifth, often face burnout and overwork due to long hours, tight deadlines, limited resources, high expectations and more, leading to high stress. For many, journalism is a lifestyle, not necessarily a job which can mean poor self care. In a 24/7 world where the news never stops, adopting time management strategies and mindfulness practices, such as setting boundaries between work and personal life, is vital to help mitigate the effects of burnout.
2. Lack of Career Advancement Opportunities
Many local journalists feel limited in their career advancement options, with few clear pathways to higher roles or larger media outlets. Whether you want to be a main anchor or move into management, the growth path of climbing the ladder that existed for decades is all but gone for many. Building a strong portfolio, networking effectively, and showcasing your work on social media or your own website can open doors, especially when supplemented by developing multimedia skills or exploring side hustle opportunities. Additionally, you should always be collecting metrics and real world examples to demonstrate your work should you be looking at new industries.
3. Low Pay and Financial Instability
Financial instability is another significant issue, as journalism (especially at the local level) often doesn’t pay well, making it challenging for young professionals to achieve financial security. For many, parental support or debt is the only way to survive doing a job you love but gives you so little back. Resources on budgeting, side hustles that align with journalism, and negotiating better freelance rates can provide useful support. Starting a budget and sticking to it can be powerful.
4. Emotional Toll of Reporting on Tough Topics
The work itself can be emotionally taxing, as covering sensitive topics like crime and tragedies can weigh heavily on journalists. I’ve covered my fair share of very difficult stories and can still recall some of them a decade later. To support your well-being, mental health in journalism matters and resources and guidance on recognizing signs of secondary trauma can be invaluable. Many companies have finally realized the importance of offering this type of support to its staff and it is more freely available and more accepted. Journalists like to “tough it out” but counseling services or peer support groups should always be considered to help alleviate the emotional toll.
5. Balancing Objectivity with Personal Beliefs
Maintaining objectivity, particularly on divisive issues, is challenging for young journalists who may feel caught between their personal beliefs and professional standards. Especially in a time when it feels there is a blurring of the lines more than ever before. For a long time, journalism was about “sharing both sides” but in today’s age of deepfakes, AI generated images and other challenging topics, sharing “both sides” may actually mean challenging something that one side is presenting. This makes the role of a journalist harder than ever before. Developing strong fact-checking and ethical journalism practices can help you gain confidence in separating personal views from your reporting.
6. Pressure to Be Social Media Savvy
There’s now an expectation that journalists must build a social media presence, which can feel overwhelming and sometimes inauthentic. Content on authentic self-promotion, balanced with advice on protecting personal privacy, can help ease some of this pressure and make social media engagement feel more manageable. Never share something you don’t feel comfortable with and objectively challenge requests of you asking to share more personal information to “humanize” you if you need.
7. Navigating Relationships with Sources
Relationships with sources present another layer of complexity, especially within smaller communities. Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with sources requires finesse, so researching tips on relationship-building, handling tough conversations, and setting boundaries can be helpful for young journalists. Building trust takes time and you have to be willing to put in the effort, but the relationship must be professional at all times.
8. Finding Reliable Mentorship
Finding reliable mentorship can be challenging, as many young journalists don’t have easy access to mentors who could offer insights and career guidance. In many newsrooms, more experienced journalists are usually willing to help mentor the next generation, though not always. With sites like LinkedIn and social media, the ability to connect with others has never been easier. If you see an opportunity to connect with a mentor, take it. Additionally, finding resources like webinars and mentorship networks can be very valuable.
9. Developing New Skills Amid Industry Changes
With the industry’s rapid evolution, young journalists often feel pressured to learn additional skills, such as podcasting, video editing, and social media management, alongside traditional reporting. That’s in addition to turning multiple stories a day and in some cases, being the photographer too. Don’t over commit. Set expectations for yourself and management. Being eager can be a good thing, however, don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. Review resources online that outline how to prioritize learning one skill at a time can make this growth feel more manageable.
10. Insecurity About Your Work’s Impact
Finally, young local journalists may worry that their work doesn’t make a meaningful impact, which can lead to a lack of motivation. As you grow in your career, document the success stories you experience. Keep emails or notes you receive on your work. Remind yourself that local news is one of the most valuable types of news for those in the community. Give yourself the grace to appreciate your successes.
Mental Health in Journalism – Finding the Balance
Navigating a career in local journalism can be challenging, especially for young professionals, who must balance personal and professional demands in an ever-evolving industry.
By understanding and addressing your unique needs—whether that’s improving financial stability, finding mentorship, or maintaining emotional health—you can equip yourself for a successful, fulfilling life outside of journalism. With the right support and resources, local journalists can feel empowered to make a real impact in their communities while sustaining themselves along the way.
