Webinar: Prioritizing Mental Health Care and Coverage During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Today’s students are struggling with separation from their social circles, the loss of important celebrations like graduation and prom, and, in many cases, life-and-death issues such as an inability to escape a turbulent home life. They’re also digital natives accustomed to socializing online who, in many cases, have used their time to create delightful moments of humor and hope. The journalists covering them face the same kinds of social challenges and opportunities – dealing with isolation as well as an economic crisis as news outlets institute pay cuts, furloughs and even layoffs. This environment offers a great opportunity for journalists to apply lessons they’ve learned about resilience from their sources and take the time to care for themselves on the beat.

In a double-duty webinar, journalists can get a quick rundown on the research on the psychological impacts of quarantines, coverage tips, and coping techniques that can help improve their stories – and their lives – during this crisis. 

An expert on youth mental health from the National Alliance of Mental Illness and a psychologist who specializes in trauma coverage will offer tips on reporting distantly on student mental health issues, and journalist self-care.

Speakers:

• Jennifer Rothman, National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Elana Newman, Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
• Wendy Leung, Ventura County Star (moderator)