Stronger Minds, Stronger Media: Why protecting journalists’ mental health is essential for journalism’s future

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and The Self-Investigation have released Stronger Minds, Stronger Media, a report highlighting the urgent need to protect journalists’ mental health as a cornerstone of journalism’s sustainability. Amid financial insecurity, excessive workloads, online harassment, and a volatile global environment, journalists are experiencing high stress levels and burnout—leading some to abandon the profession, posing a potential threat to press freedom itself.

The report, authored by Emma Thomasson, draws on quantitative and qualitative research conducted in early 2025. EFJ surveyed 21 journalist organisations representing over 95,000 professionals from 17 European countries. The findings were supplemented by focus groups, workshops, and interviews with journalists, unions, academics, and media organisations.

Results reveal that while journalists often provide informal peer support, these efforts are uneven and frequently led by women. The report calls for broader engagement, especially from male leaders, and a systemic rather than individual approach to improving workplace culture. EFJ urges unions and media organisations to take a proactive role in funding and coordinating support networks, offering leadership training, and developing long-term mental health strategies. 

Key recommendations include: reframing “mental health” as part of a “healthy work culture,” focusing on structural reforms instead of solely treating individual symptoms, and training managers first to lead by example. The report stresses that sustainable change depends on dismantling toxic newsroom norms and promoting empathy, balance, and community within journalism. Ultimately, protecting journalists’ mental well-being is not just a moral duty—it is vital for the integrity and resilience of the media industry.