Insights into mental health and occupational burnout among media personnel in urban Bengaluru: a cross-sectional study

Journalism is a high-pressure profession involving long working hours, tight deadlines, and exposure to distressing events, often leading to psychological stress and burnout. Despite their crucial societal role, the mental well-being of journalists in India remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and occupational burnout among journalists in urban Bengaluru and to determine associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 media personnel working in three private media houses in urban Bengaluru. Participants were selected using convenience sampling, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire that comprised the DASS-21 and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory scales. Statistical analysis was done using Jamovi 2.6.26. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and binomial logistic regression were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained before the study. Among 185 participants, the prevalences of depression, anxiety, and stress were 67%, 87.6%, and 14.1%, respectively; 61.6% reported moderate-to-severe anxiety. Overall burnout prevalence was 55.2%, driven by a high work-related burnout rate of 62.1%. Depression was significantly associated with years of experience ( $$\:p<0.01$$ ) and professional category, while anxiety was linked to type of media house ( $$\:p=0.01$$ ). Burnout showed strong associations with depression ( $$\:p<0.01$$ ), anxiety ( $$\:p<0.01$$ ), and stress ( $$\:p<0.01$$ ). Alarmingly high depression and anxiety rates, coupled with burnout, signal an urgent need for targeted interventions like workplace mental health programs to protect this vulnerable occupational group.