Journalist Well-being Study 2024-2025

For the fourth consecutive year, millions of people worldwide have been observing the consequences of large-scale Russian aggression in Ukraine: destruction, casualties, rescue efforts, and the stories of soldiers and civilians. The content created by Ukrainian journalists enables the world to see what is happening in a non-stop mode.

At the same time, what the journalists themselves experience also requires attention. Ukrainian journalists not only work with a massive flow of traumatic information but must also maintain sensitivity when interacting with subjects, as well as balance and ethics when presenting information to their audience. Journalists live under the same stressful conditions of war as all Ukrainian citizens: suffering from sleepless nights, the consequences of missile attacks, and anxiety for the lives of their loved ones and the future of their country. Meanwhile, unfortunately, journalists cannot "disconnect" from the flow of painful news or take a "pause."

Mental health issues are a direct consequence of prolonged tension and professional challenges caused by the war.

A year ago, within the framework of the Mental Support for Media program, we published the results of our 2023 journalist well-being study (327 respondents). This year, we continue to monitor and research the mental health status of journalists while providing support. For the new period (258 respondents, from May 2024 to May 2025), we see a largely identical picture.

Key Observations from the 2024-2025 Period:

Chronic Stress Exposure: The inability to take a "news break" continues to be a primary driver of psychological exhaustion.
Dual-Front Pressure: Journalists are managing professional trauma (reporting on war) alongside personal trauma (living through war).
Consistency in Data: Despite the passage of time, the indicators for depression, anxiety, and burnout remains high, mirroring the 2023 findings.

Comparison of the Situation

The data suggests that while journalists have developed certain "survival mechanisms," the underlying mental health strain is not dissipating; rather, it is becoming chronic. This reinforces the need for systemic support rather than one-off interventions

The data from the study on the psychological well-being of journalists is more than just statistics; it is the foundation for timely assistance to support and preserve the quality of life.

The study was prepared by:

Anastasiia Nizhnik, psychotherapist, co-founder of the Braincult Center for Development and Psychotherapy and the Resilience Hub platform.
Andrii Sydorenko, coordinator of the Mental Support for Media program at the Souspilnist Foundation, co-founder of the Resilience Hub platform.