Members of the press in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties have been encouraged to seek counselling services in order to cushion themselves against trauma while in their line of duty.
During a workshop organised by the Anglican Church of K Diocese of Nyahururru held at the Karandi area in Laikipia West Sub-County, the members of the press were advised that due to the nature of their work, they were vulnerable to stressing and traumatising scenes and hence the need to seek frequent counselling services.
Rev. Samuel Watho, a counsellor working with the Kenya Assembly of God in Nakuru County, advised them to be seeking someone they trust, such as a colleague, spiritual leader, family member, or even their spouses, who they can talk to when they feel overwhelmed by the situation.
“Overwhelming family responsibilities, strict deadlines, and demands in workplaces, among others, are some of the contributors to stress, and if these stresses are not well managed, they may lead to stress and burnout,” noted Rev. Watho.
He further pointed out that when one fails to deal with the stresses as they come, the accumulation of challenges leads to burnout, making the situation even worse coupled with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, which adversely affect individual performance at work.
However, Rev. Watho stressed the importance of the members of the press adapting self-discipline and time management to cushion themselves against the inevitable stresses.
“Adapting self-discipline, observing time management, setting time for relaxation as well as for exercise, and joining a support group are some of the ways you can cushion yourselves from these challenges,” added the counsellor.
On his part, Bishop Rt. Rev. Maj. (Rtd.) Samson Gachathi of the A.C.K. Diocese of Nyahururu advised members of the press not to assume everything is okay when they are facing stressful situations but rather to accept them as normal and find ways to manage them.
The bishop also advised them to add value to themselves by doing side hustles alongside their main job as a way of cushioning themselves from some hardships in life.
“Give value to yourselves not only on the issue of content you produce but also by doing something else apart from the main work you do. As the county grows, grow with it by finding your space in the county by applying for county jobs,” he advised.
He advised them to form supportive groups among themselves where they can support one another as well as being an avenue where one can fall back when stressed, promising he will be there for them any time they need him.
By Kimani Tirus
