Journalists and media workers across Ireland are being invited to take part in a new national survey examining mental health, wellbeing and the realities of reporting on mental illness in today’s media landscape.
The study is being led by Dr Anne O’Brien of the Department of Media Studies at Maynooth University, in collaboration with Shine’s Media Programme.
It aims to better understand the challenges facing journalists and identify practical actions that can strengthen supports, training and workplace wellbeing across the sector.
The project is funded through a New Foundations Research Grant from Research Ireland. The New Foundations programme supports research that delivers real-world benefits for communities, organisations and policymakers, with a focus on ensuring that findings translate into meaningful action.
International research suggests that journalists experience disproportionately high levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression and psychological distress compared to the general population.
The profession has also undergone significant change in recent years, with increased workloads, rapid news cycles, online abuse, job insecurity and an increasingly “always-on” working culture.
A 2019 British study of media workers found that, of 9,399 survey participants, over half had contemplated taking their own life, while 87 per cent reported mental health challenges.
The new survey will explore whether similar challenges are being experienced by journalists and media workers in Ireland, and will examine the factors that may be contributing to those pressures.
The research will also investigate journalists’ experiences of reporting on mental illness, including the barriers they face and the supports they need to cover the topic with confidence, accuracy and sensitivity.
Dr Anne O’Brien said: “Journalism is an essential public service and a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
“We know from international research that journalists can face significant pressures in their work, but there is currently limited evidence about the Irish context. This study aims to build that evidence base and ensure that future supports are informed by the lived experiences of journalists themselves”.
For Shine, the research represents a natural extension of almost two decades of partnership with the Irish media sector.
Since 2007, Shine’s Media Programme has worked with journalists, editors, producers and news organisations to support accurate, responsible and stigma-free reporting on mental health.
Through training, guidance, research, fellowships and the Mental Health Media Awards, the programme has sought to strengthen public understanding of mental health while supporting high standards in journalism.
Áine O’Meara, Shine’s Media Programme Lead, said: “By understanding both the realities of journalists’ wellbeing and the challenges they face when reporting on mental illness, we can ensure that the supports, training and resources we provide are grounded in evidence and shaped by the needs of the sector.
“Ultimately, this research is about strengthening journalism by supporting the people who make it possible”.
The research will culminate in a national report, stakeholder engagement activities and revisions to existing training and support resources.
Findings will also contribute to broader discussions about workplace wellbeing, professional development and the sustainability of journalism in Ireland.
All journalists and media workers, regardless of platform, experience level or employment status, are encouraged to participate. The survey is anonymous, and organisers say participation will help ensure that future supports and training reflect the realities of contemporary journalism in Ireland.
