The Unseen Toll Of Journalism: Why Nigerian Young Journalists Are Going Grey
By Toba Adedeji
Upon my recent return to The Nation’s head office in Lagos, I encountered a familiar face at the entrance, my colleague Sadam, who, like me, is in the same age bracket. We embraced warmly, having not seen each other in a while.
As we exchanged pleasantries, I couldn’t help but notice the striking amount of grey hair on his head. “Sadam, you’ve got quite a bit of grey hair” I exclaimed, half-jokingly. He smiled and nodded, but when I repeated my observation, he merely shrugged with a gentle grin.
Once inside the office, I greeted several colleagues on my way to the newsroom. Upon entering, I offered my respects to the editors and took a moment to observe my surroundings. It struck me that a common trait among nearly everyone in the newsroom, both young and old was the presence of grey hair.
This observation prompted some introspection. I, too, have been grappling with the rapid onset of grey hair over the past two years. It led me to a sobering conclusion: journalists often bite off more than they can chew, and this tendency frequently results in significant stress.
The reasons behind the greying hair of journalists are manifold. Stress, irregular sleep patterns, information overload, and the relentless pressure to meet deadlines all contribute to this phenomenon. Journalists face constant threats from stakeholders, the anxiety of ensuring accuracy in their reports, and the delicate balancing act of deciding what information to disclose and how to protect their sources.
The high-pressure environment, characterized by tight deadlines and an unceasing flow of information, undoubtedly accelerates the greying process. Many journalists experience sleep deprivation due to long hours spent covering breaking news or working late into the night on stories. Personally, I typically arrive at the office by 8 a.m. and don’t leave until 8 p.m. During the day, I often miss calls and messages from friends and family who want to discuss various matters. By the time I get home late at night, I find myself responding to those missed communications one by one.
For those of us who are single and not yet married, the situation can be even more challenging. After a long day, we often return home to cook and manage household responsibilities.
Field reporters, in particular, face harsh conditions, working in extreme weather, dealing with pollution, and navigating stressful environments, all of which contribute to premature greying. We are often subjected to both physical and emotional attacks, witnessing traumatic events and listening to heartbreaking stories. Despite our humanity, many underestimate the toll this work takes on us.
Given all these challenges, one must wonder: would you still consider dating or marrying a journalist? The answer may not be as straightforward as it seems.
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©TOBA ADEDEJI
