Competence Center for Mental Health in Media and Journalism Mental health for a resilient democracy

The Mindful Media Lab supports media professionals and media organizations in effectively coping with stress. In this way, we strengthen their resilience—and thus democratic public life.

Our areas of work

At the Mindful Media Lab, we combine research, teaching, and transfer to strengthen the mental health of media professionals in the long term and highlight their importance for press freedom and democratic public discourse. Each area contributes to promoting journalistic resilience as a prerequisite for democratic resilience. The lab combines scientific findings, training, and practice. In this way, we strengthen press freedom and, in turn, democracy.

Research

We systematically research the psychological stress experienced by media professionals. We evaluate the effectiveness of support services and develop them further. In this way, the Mindful Media Lab contributes to an informed discourse in the media industry.

Teaching

We understand resilience as a key leadership skill. In our master's programs and continuing education courses at the Institute for Culture and Media Management, we teach professional ways of dealing with stress and strengthen mental health literacy in training and practice.

Transfer

We bring our research into practice and public discourse. Through dialogue formats, we initiate a broad social exchange about stress in journalism and its significance for democratic public spheres. We promote individual and organizational resilience and support editorial teams through change.

Concrete support Offers for journalists

Whether it's acute stress or fundamental questions — the Mindful Media Lab is building a network of support services.
The Netzwerk Recherche helpline is already available as a free service. Calls are treated confidentially and anonymously:

Go to the helpline website

Call now for free and anonymously!
030 - 7543 7633

Mo & Tue	6—8 pm
We	8—10 am
Thu	4—6 pm
Fr	8—10 am & 12—2 pm

Under construction The Mindful Media Lab is growing

The Mindful Media Lab is continuing to expand its activities in research, teaching, and transfer. We will be expanding our services in the coming months. Interested partners from the media, academia, foundations, and other organizations are welcome to contact us. This will enable the lab and network to grow. Further information on our projects and formats will follow shortly.

Management and contact Mindful Media Lab
Prof. Dr. Barbara Hans, director

Get in touch