Supporting Mental Health in Journalism
Through his powerful images, Paul bore witness to the brutality of war and the resilience of those rebuilding their lives afterwards, unveiling the harsh realities of conflicts and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
For journalists like Paul, prolonged exposure to violence, disasters, and human suffering takes a profound emotional and psychological toll. Many endure PTSD, depression and anxiety, conditions that strain their emotional resilience, relationships and social bonds.
Paul understood these challenges and witnessed them amongst his friends and colleagues.
One of the most influential studies in this field found that the lifetime prevalence of PTSD among war journalists is 28.6% (Feinstein et al., 2002).
While attitudes towards mental health issues are gradually shifting, stigma and misunderstanding remain deeply rooted in journalism. Trauma-related conditions are often overlooked, and a culture of enforced objectivity and silence continues to prevent many from seeking help. Despite the high prevalence of PTSD in the field, many journalists continue to struggle to access proper mental health support and treatment.
The Paul Lowe Challenge brings together journalism, education and sport — all central to Paul’s life — to promote understanding about the vital role of journalism in society, and the urgent need to address mental health issues and journalists’ well-being.
Raising awareness is only the beginning.
Your contribution will help The VII Foundation expand ongoing initiatives to raise awareness about PTSD in journalism and to provide resources, connections, and a path to healing to visual journalists experiencing trauma and suffering from PTSD.
It will also help launch new ones.
- Peer support networks and trauma-informed training programs.
- Public forums and conversations featuring leading experts in mental health and journalism.
- Collaborations with renowned researchers such as Prof. Anthony Feinstein at the University of Toronto and the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma at Columbia University.
- A resource platform, offering trusted information, tools and access to support.
- Timely, dedicated publications that highlight relevant stories, research and personal accounts.
- Peer support networks and focused training programs.