‘Clever, creative and consumed by their work.’ My summary of freelance journalists and why the mental health of media workers may be at risk. A survey by the National Union of Journalists shows that over 50% of freelance journalists have experienced depression and they hold the business of freelancing in a declining industry as largely responsible. I discuss some of the reasons why journalists are vulnerable to mental health problems in Rin Hamburgh‘s article for the Journalist magazine.

I know this firsthand having worked in the media for some of the biggest broadcasters in the UK. On the surface I had a glittering career winning awards for my work in TV and Radio but there was a shadow side and the pressures of being creative on a deadline and a culture of excessive working hours led to secret episodes of depression. I have a particular understanding of the stresses that journalists suffer and also know what wonderful creatives they are too. I count a number of media professionals amongst my coaching clients.