He urges editors and news managers to be aware of the very difficult situation that reporters and photographers face in covering stories about tragedy. Recognize that to be exposed to tragedy is traumatic. Your heart is exposed even if you are looking through a lens. Dr. Cohen suggests it is best for journalists who have covered a tragedy to share their trauma with others. Dr. Cohen says photographers are especially vulnerable to delayed trauma.
Photojournalists tend to be more like cops and other first responders when covering tragedy.
There's a tendency at first to deny symptoms. He says it is essential for photojournalists and reporters, and especially their managers, to be aware of these trauma factors and to show appropriate concern. In the absence of such concern the problems only magnify. After 72-hours people start compensating in some way for the symptoms, by drinking or escaping in some other way. Dr. Cohen also believes that newsroom managers have a responsibility in assigning stories about tragedy to recognize which staff members are best equipped to cover stories as both storytellers and human beings.