91Èȱ¬

This podcast tackles sensitive and distressing subject matter, including discussion about extremist groups, suicide bombings, chemical attacks and trauma.

You don't have to directly visit a traumatic scene to be affected by it. Vicarious trauma affects those viewing or hearing disturbing material or hearing second-hand the testimonies of those directly affected by a traumatic incident.

In this podcast the 91Èȱ¬'s Chief Medical Officer Dr Clare Fernandes speaks to journalist Abdirahim Saeed, who works for the 91Èȱ¬ Monitoring Team which monitors and verifies social media to pull into the 91Èȱ¬'s reporting.

You'll learn:
• what vicarious trauma is
• where it can affect colleagues in the 91Èȱ¬, including the types of roles and subject matter
• how to safeguard your health, including limiting exposure to trauma and coping mechanisms
• how to support and protect your colleagues
• where to turn to for help

Abdirahim talks about what he's seen when covering extremist incidents, including ISIS and Al Qaida attacks and the war in Syria, how it's affected him and how he limits the effects of vicarious trauma on his mental health.

This episode is part of a series focussing on wellbeing and mental health. Further episodes can be found by searching for the 91Èȱ¬ Academy podcast on 91Èȱ¬ Sounds.

A transcript of this podcast is available on the episode's programme page.

Although aimed primarily at 91Èȱ¬ staff, the advice is useful for all those working in journalism, current affairs or other parts of the media industry who may come into contact with victims of trauma or view upsetting material.

Help and support
If you've been affected by what you've heard in this podcast, please search for support on the 91Èȱ¬ Action Line website. You may also wish to contact NHS services, such as your GP.

91Èȱ¬ Staff can talk to their team leader, contact a peer supporter or call the Employee Assistance Programme - details are on Gateway.

Useful resources can be found on the 91Èȱ¬ Headroom website and, for 91Èȱ¬ staff, by searching 'wellbeing' on Gateway.

Credits
The podcast was presented by Dr Clare Fernandes and produced by Kasel Kundola.

Production support was from Helena Lyons.

Exec producers for the 91Èȱ¬ Academy were Ben Toone, Zoey Glasgow and Kirstie Andrews.

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