Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM), Counter Foto, Internews Bangladesh, and Moner Bondhu collaborated to organize "Breathing Out Burden," a mental health support event for journalists who covered the recent student movement.

The movement, which ultimately led to the end of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15-year regime, exposed journalists to intense situations and potential trauma.

The event, held at Counter Foto's Mirpur campus, featured sessions led by mental health specialists from Moner Bondhu.

It aimed to address the mental health challenges faced by these journalists, including trauma and PTSD, often unrecognized or unaddressed.

Sam Jahan, Convener of BJIM, highlighted the importance of the event, stating that many journalists are unaware of the impact of mental health counseling or the long-term consequences of untreated PTSD.

The event sought to provide relief and initiate a conversation about mental well-being within the journalistic community.

The daylong event was attended by 50 journalists who had been on the frontlines of reporting during the student movement. Organizers hope to arrange follow-up sessions to provide continued support for those affected.

This collaborative effort underscores the growing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by journalists, particularly those covering high-stress events. It serves as a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of those who play a vital role in informing the public.

“It is an integral part of our job that we will encounter violence, atrocities, and inhumane activities done by humans towards others. And it is our job to document and record while it happens,” Saiful Haq Omi, Principal of Counter Foto said.

“Not always that we recognise the kind of trauma it leaves us with. Which might have very long-term consequences. It is our responsibility to acknowledge our reality and take care of our own mental health,” he added.

“We wanted to be a part of this great initiative as we felt it was our moral obligation. We felt appalled by reading and viewing the atrocities. We can barely imagine how difficult it was for those who experienced it first hand on the field. I hope the counseling would lighten the attendees’ mental burdens,” Shameem Ara Sheuli, Country Representative of Internews Bangladesh, said.

"Everyone needs more mental health support at this moment, especially the journalists. Moner Bondhu is always there for you as a safe place," Tawhida Shiropa, Founder and CEO, Moner Bondhu, said.

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