Bangladeshi Journalists Receive Mental Health Awareness Workshop Focused on Trauma and Self-Care

Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) and Mindshaper collaboratively organized a mental health awareness workshop titled “Living with Reality” at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka on Friday. The workshop aimed to shed light on mental health issues, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological trauma, faced by journalists highlighted by the recent Milestone School plane crash.

The session was led by clinical and counseling psychologist Rukonuzzaman Rupom from Mindshaper, who provided in-depth guidance on managing trauma, preventing internalized stress, and pathways to healing. The nearly four-hour event saw active participation from 20 journalists, engaging in exercises designed to regulate emotions, promote work-life balance, and understand various psychological responses. The session also included a Q&A segment, where participants shared personal experiences related to mental health and trauma.

BJIM convenor Sam Jahan emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, noting that it remains a relatively new concept in Bangladesh. “Journalists often work under extreme pressure and are unaware of mental health issues. This initiative is aimed at informing them, raising awareness, and encouraging self-care,” he said.

Sazzad Hossain, spokesperson for Mindshaper, highlighted the crucial role of journalists as societal mirrors. “When journalists learn to manage their mental health, they become powerful advocates for spreading awareness across society. We are proud to be part of this initiative,” he remarked.

At the conclusion of the workshop, certificates were distributed to participating journalists by BJIM and Mindshaper, recognizing their engagement and commitment to mental health awareness.