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Articles by Dean Yates
Breaking The Silence: The Journalist Trauma Blog: Zoe Flood — Mental Health Now
Following is a blog by Zoe Flood, an independent journalist and filmmaker. Zoe was in Nairobi on Sept. 21, 2013, when gunmen from Somalia's al Shabaab group attacked the upscale Westgate Mall. Sixty-seven people were killed during the raid and four-day siege by security forces. Zoe has written, filmed and produced for media including the BBC, the Guardian, the New York Times, Huffington Post, CNN, Channel 4, Sky News and National Geographic.
TRUTH LIES BLEEDING
The horror of seeing a group of men being machine-gunned to death in Baghdad in 2007 came through despite the grainy black and white vision. The footage was publicly revealed by Julian Assange, WikiLeaks editor-in-chief, at the National Press Club in Washington on 5 April 2010. It become known as ‘Collateral Murder’.
Crossing the Line
1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title). Stream or download thousands of included titles. Access to exclusive deals and discounts. $16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime. Pre-order for $39.95 Publisher's Summary There is no doubt the truth would have been concealed and our concerns buried without Nick McKenzie's relentless pursuit of justice.' SAS Afghanistan veteran War is brutal. But there are lines that should never be crossed.
Journalist’s PTSD memoir offers important lessons for news industry — Canadian Journalism Forum
“I expected the organization to look after me, not try to force me out” Dean Yates has been to hell and back. His just-released memoir Line in the Sand is a raw, deeply personal account of life-threatening PTSD injury suffered as a journalist with Reuters, his recovery, his reincarnation, and an exploration of how the news industry deals with mental injury on the job. I write this as an advocate for health and safety reform within journalism.
What I Got Wrong About Assange
I wrote a piece for Australian online publisher Crikey just before Julian Assange’s extradition hearings resumed in September 2020 in which I regurgitated a slur that has done enormous harm to his reputation. Australian journalists should stop using the WikiLeaks treasure trove in their stories if they wouldn’t speak up for Assange, I’d written. Journalists like to think they’d go to jail to protect a source. Well, their source was suffering in London’s high-security Belmarsh prison, I said.
Veterans' Affairs is harming Australia’s ability to manage psychological distress
Australia's mishandling of the veteran mental health crisis will cripple our ability to understand crises elsewhere, an expert has warned. (Image: AAP/Darren Pateman) This is part four in a series. Read parts one, two and three.
From 'illness' to 'wellness': government rebrands a veteran mental health crisis
The Department of Veterans' Affairs has moved from a strategy of 'illness' to one of 'wellness'. Is it putting messaging ahead of the mental health of veterans? (Image: Reuters/Edgar Su) This is part three in a series. Read parts one and two here.
Betrayed and left to rot: my time with veterans in a psych ward
After 77 days in a specialist psychiatric ward, Dean Yates tells of his experience, and what he's learnt about how returned veterans suffer. Dean Yates (Image: Evershine Productions/Helen Barrow) This is the second part of a series. Read part one here. I was terrified when I first entered the Ward 17 psychiatric unit in Melbourne for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. I’d crossed a line. I didn’t know anyone who’d been in a psych ward.
Fight goes on for veterans facing a mind field of pain, suicide, government inaction
Scott Morrison has been keen to show his pro-veteran credentials since assuming the prime ministership. Yet when it comes to the invisible side of being a veteran — living with the mental scars of a war that never ends — the PM has been found wanting. David Finney (Image: Supplied) Scott Morrison has been keen to show his pro-veteran credentials since assuming the prime ministership.
The Age reports one thing, does another on workers' compensation
The Age has been quick to target an 'unethical' workers comp scheme — forgetting, maybe, how hard it fought to deny a former journalist compensation for years of psychological trauma. (Image: AAP/Joe Castro) When I saw The Age recently go hard on the “immoral and unethical” workers’ compensation system in Victoria, I thought of “journalist YZ“, who developed PTSD covering crime and courts for the newspaper for ten years.
Dear media: if you won’t speak up for Assange, maybe stop using WikiLeaks' stuff
(Image: Supplied) I want to ask my journalist colleagues in Australia: why the silence over Julian Assange? Is it because you don’t think he’s a journalist? Is it the sexual assault allegations? Because he belittles mainstream media? Fear you might lose access to those in power? Fear you might be called an activist? Or have you just forgotten? Journalists like to think they would go to jail to protect a source.
'Mr Yates is suffering a significant disease, but...' How workers comp fails
The experts agreed that Dean Yates' PTSD was 'significant'. So why couldn't he get workers' compensation? Dean Yates (Image: Evershine Productions/Helen Barrow) I knew there was something deeply wrong with the workers compensation system when a lawyer told me not to hire her for my hearing with QBE. The insurance company had disputed my claim for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related medical expenses. The lawyer said insurers almost always won this stage. Don’t waste your money.
Newsrooms urged to prioritise the mental health of journalists
Former Reuters journalist Dean Yates covered many big stories in his time with the global news agency: the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings, the Boxing Day tsunami in Indonesia’s Aceh province in 2004, and through three stints in Iraq from 2003 to 2004 and a posting to Baghdad as bureau chief from 2007 to 2008. Devastatingly, during his Baghdad posting, Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh were killed in an attack by a US helicopter.
GETTING CONTROL OF MY PTSD, ONE STEP AT A TIME
At home in Evandale, Tasmania, September 2019/Photo Helen Barrow, Evershine Productions Published on October 10, 2019October 10, 2019 • 121 Likes • 16 Comments Dean YatesFollow Self Employed at Self-Employed By Dean Yates (I’m sharing this blog to mark World Mental Health Day, Oct 10) I reckon I just about have control over my mental illness. It’s taken 3 ½ years since I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in March 2016 to do so.
Sanofi says taking China bribery claim 'seriously'
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - French drugmaker Sanofi SA said it took “very seriously” allegations published in a Chinese newspaper on Thursday that its staff bribed more than 500 doctors in China in 2007 to raise sales. An anonymous whistleblower, identified only through a false name “Pei Gen”, told the 21st Century Business Herald newspaper that Sanofi staff paid bribes totaling around 1.7 million yuan ($277,800) to 503 doctors at 79 hospitals in Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou and Guangzhou in late 2007.
Back To The Psych Ward: A Journalist And His Wife Deal With His Severe PTSD
As usual, my wife Mary spotted the warning signs, knew what they meant and knew what needed to be done. My nightmares had suddenly returned after a long period without any. I’ve been waking up with bags under my eyes. Most afternoons I’ve needed to have a sleep, I’ve been that tired. My anxiety levels have shot up. Barely a day goes by without me taking Valium. I’m jumping out of my skin at any unexpected noise and feeling tense inside supermarkets or cafés. I’m depressed.
I'm Back In The Ward 17 Psychiatric Unit. But That's OK.
As usual, my wife Mary spotted the warning signs, knew what they meant and knew what needed to be done. My nightmares had suddenly returned after a long period without any. I’ve been waking up with bags under my eyes. Most afternoons I’ve needed to have a sleep, I’ve been that tired. My anxiety levels have shot up. Barely a day goes by without me taking Valium. I’m jumping out of my skin at any unexpected noise and feeling tense inside supermarkets or cafés. I’m depressed.
Return to Ward 17: Making Peace With Lost Comrades
Australian journalist Dean Yates poses for a photograph outside the Elsedeaq Heidelberg Mosque, located in the Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg in Australia, March 2, 2018. Picture taken March 2, 2018. REUTERS/Luis Enrique AscuiReutersMELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - As the start of the memorial service neared, I hurriedly texted an Indonesian friend. "Is it OK for me to stand on a Muslim prayer mat?" I asked.I'd spent 10 days preparing for this ritual. It was really 10 years.
Return to Ward 17 - Making peace with lost comrades - World | The Star Online
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - As the start of the memorial service neared, I hurriedly texted an Indonesian friend. "Is it OK for me to stand on a Muslim prayer mat?" I asked. I'd spent 10 days preparing for this ritual. It was really 10 years. I wanted to get everything right. I was about to ask Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh, both Iraqis, to forgive me for what I saw as my complicity in their deaths.
Return to Ward 17: Making peace with lost comrades
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - As the start of the memorial service neared, I hurriedly texted an Indonesian friend. “Is it OK for me to stand on a Muslim prayer mat?” I asked. I’d spent 10 days preparing for this ritual. It was really 10 years. I wanted to get everything right. I was about to ask Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh, both Iraqis, to forgive me for what I saw as my complicity in their deaths.
Return to Ward 17: Making peace with lost comrades
© Reuters. Australian journalist Dean Yates poses for a photograph outside the Elsedeaq Heidelberg Mosque, located in the Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg By Dean Yates MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - As the start of the memorial service neared, I hurriedly texted an Indonesian friend. "Is it OK for me to stand on a Muslim prayer mat?" I asked. I'd spent 10 days preparing for this ritual. It was really 10 years. I wanted to get everything right.
Return to Ward 17 - Making peace with lost comrades
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - As the start of the memorial service neared, I hurriedly texted an Indonesian friend. “Is it OK for me to stand on a Muslim prayer mat?” I asked. I’d spent 10 days preparing for this ritual. It was really 10 years. I wanted to get everything right. I was about to ask Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh, both Iraqis, to forgive me for what I saw as my complicity in their deaths.
Return to Ward 17: Making peace with lost comrades
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - As the start of the memorial service neared, I hurriedly texted an Indonesian friend. "Is it OK for me to stand on a Muslim prayer mat?" I asked. I'd spent 10 days preparing for this ritual. It was really 10 years. I wanted to get everything right. I was about to ask Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh, both Iraqis, to forgive me for what I saw as my complicity in their deaths.
Return to Ward 17: Making peace with lost comrades
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - As the start of the memorial service neared, I hurriedly texted an Indonesian friend. "Is it OK for me to stand on a Muslim prayer mat?" I asked. I'd spent 10 days preparing for this ritual. It was really 10 years. I wanted to get everything right. I was about to ask Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh, both Iraqis, to forgive me for what I saw as my complicity in their deaths.
Special Report: Return to Ward 17 - Making peace with lost comrades
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - As the start of the memorial service neared, I hurriedly texted an Indonesian friend. "Is it OK for me to stand on a Muslim prayer mat?" I asked. I'd spent 10 days preparing for this ritual. It was really 10 years. I wanted to get everything right. I was about to ask Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh, both Iraqis, to forgive me for what I saw as my complicity in their deaths.
Hong Kong police shown in video of alleged beating to be removed from positions: government
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong’s secretary for security said on Wednesday that police shown in a video where a pro-democracy protester was allegedly beaten would be removed from their positions as authorities investigate the matter. Lai Tung-kwok was speaking after the video went viral, sparking outrage among the public and lawmakers. Police arrested 45 pro-democracy protesters while clearing a major road in the early hours of Wednesday.
Special Report - The road to Ward 17: A journalist's battle with PTSD
EVANDALE, Australia (Reuters) - When the psychiatrist diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder at the end of our first session early this March, I finally had to accept I was unwell. The flashbacks, the anxiety, my emotional numbness and poor sleep had long worried my wife, Mary. I had played down the symptoms, denied I had a problem. Five months later I’d be in a psychiatric ward. I covered some big stories as a Reuters journalist.
Australia set to help China seize assets of corrupt Chinese officials: paper
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian police have agreed to assist China in the extradition and seizure of assets of corrupt Chinese officials who have fled with hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit funds, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Monday. The joint operation would make its first seizure of assets in Australia within weeks, the newspaper quoted Bruce Hill, manager of Australian Federal Police (AFP) operations in Asia, as saying in an interview.
Taiwan's Ma says South China Sea not for discussion in China meeting
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said the issue of the South China Sea would not be a topic for discussion in an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ma added that he would bring up the issue of Taiwan’s difficulties in participating in international activities, particularly NGOs, when he meets the Chinese leader in Singapore at the weekend.
What is moral injury, and how does it affect journalists covering bad stuff?
What is moral injury, and how does it affect journalists covering bad stuff? While covering the 2015 refugee crisis, Will Vassilopoulos, a Greek freelance video journalist, was devastated when he and other reporters had to carry the bodies of a young boy and an old man off a Greek island beach to an undertaker because there was no one else to do it. “This is a beach on an island in a country that’s not at war … It’s evil…. Why would this happen to a small boy?” Vassilopoulos wrote in a blog post.
Honouring fallen comrades
Today, 12 July, is the 10th anniversary of the killing of Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh in the streets of Baghdad by a US Apache helicopter. I was the Reuters bureau chief for Iraq at the time. To honour Namir and Saeed, I will hold a small memorial service in a chapel near Ward 17, the PTSD psychiatric unit in Melbourne where I was admitted two weeks ago.
The road to Ward 17: A journalist's battle with PTSD
Reporter Dean Yates is pictured with U.S. troops near Tikrit, Iraq, in November 2003. To match Special Report PTSD-WITNESS/YATES. Courtesy of Dean Yates/Handout via REUTERS/Files EVANDALE, Australia (Reuters) - When the psychiatrist diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder at the end of our first session early this March, I finally had to accept I was unwell. The flashbacks, the anxiety, my emotional numbness and poor sleep had long worried my wife, Mary.
Special Report - The road to Ward 17: A journalist's battle with PTSD
Reporter Dean Yates is pictured with U.S. troops near Tikrit, Iraq, in November 2003. Courtesy of Dean Yates/Handout via REUTERS EVANDALE, Australia (Reuters) - When the psychiatrist diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder at the end of our first session early this March, I finally had to accept I was unwell. The flashbacks, the anxiety, my emotional numbness and poor sleep had long worried my wife, Mary. I had played down the symptoms, denied I had a problem.
A journalist's decline into PTSD ... and road to recovery
When the psychiatrist diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder at the end of our first session early this March, I finally had to accept I was unwell. The flashbacks, the anxiety, my emotional numbness and poor sleep had long worried my wife, Mary. I had played down the symptoms, denied I had a problem. Five months later I’d be in a psychiatric ward. I covered some big stories as a Reuters journalist.
Special Reports - The road to Ward 17 - A journalist's battle with PTSD
By Dean Yates | EVANDALE, Australia EVANDALE, Australia When the psychiatrist diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder at the end of our first session early this March, I finally had to accept I was unwell. The flashbacks, the anxiety, my emotional numbness and poor sleep had long worried my wife, Mary. I had played down the symptoms, denied I had a problem. Five months later I’d be in a psychiatric ward.I covered some big stories as a Reuters journalist.
Special Report - The road to Ward 17: A journalist's battle with PTSD
EVANDALE, Australia (Reuters) - When the psychiatrist diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder at the end of our first session early this March, I finally had to accept I was unwell. The flashbacks, the anxiety, my emotional numbness and poor sleep had long worried my wife, Mary. I had played down the symptoms, denied I had a problem. Five months later I’d be in a psychiatric ward. Reporter Dean Yates is pictured with U.S. troops near Tikrit, Iraq, in November 2003.
Line in the Sand
Dean Yates was the ideal warzone correspondent: courageous, compassionate, dedicated. After years of facing the worst, though, including the Bali bombings and the Boxing Day tsunami, one final incident undid him. In July 2007, two of his staff members were brutally gunned down by an American helicopter in Iraq. What followed was an unravelling of everything Dean thought he knew of himself.
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