The Realities of Storyteller Vicarious Trauma with Àmáká Òkóyè
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In This Episode
Crisis journalist Àmáká Òkóyè has witnessed some of the most harrowing conflicts and atrocities in Nigeria’s recent history. And her commitment to elevating the human stories behind the headlines came at a heavy personal cost.
In this powerful episode, Àmáká bravely opens up about her mental health crisis after immersing herself in conflict reporting. Her story shines a much-needed light on the profound mental and emotional toll of bearing witness.
Àmáká's journey shows us the importance of storytellers prioritizing their own well-being, building strong support networks, and advocating for industry-wide changes to better protect the mental health of those on the frontlines. Her story is a crucial reminder that when we care for ourselves, we are better equipped to tell the stories that truly matter.
Content warning: In this episode, we'll be talking about details of the atrocities that Àmáká covers, as well as details of her mental health crisis. Be mindful of your emotional capacity while listening.
About Àmáká Òkóyè
Àmáká Òkóyè is a journalist covering all human angle stories, crises, and conflicts in volatile areas, including North East Nigeria. She is a storyteller, documentary producer, and anchor.
Connect with Àmáká Òkóyè
Podcast | LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
Transcripts
Àmáká Òkóyè is a crisis and conflict journalist, documentary producer, and storyteller.
A few years ago, she published a LinkedIn post that began with the words, “Surviving a nervous breakdown. I will speak.” She opened that story by saying it is okay to not be okay. In 2021, she experienced a nervous breakdown while working in crisis reporting and studying trauma.
Àmáká’s story highlights how crucial it is for storytellers to care for themselves, and also the beauty and possibility of resilience.
Before we begin, I want to offer a content warning. This episode includes discussion of atrocities Àmáká has covered as a journalist, as well as details of a mental health crisis.
Maria Bryan:
Hello, Àmáká, and welcome to the show.
Àmáká Òkóyè:
Thank you for having me.
Maria Bryan:
I learned about you last October and got to know a bit about your work in crisis and conflict journalism. I would love to hear more about your journey. How did you get started on this path?
Àmáká Òkóyè:
Thank you so very much. I get that question often, and it is an important one.
From a young age, I wanted to be a journalist. What I did not know at that point was what kind of journalist I wanted to be. I knew very strongly that I was passionate about telling human centered stories.
I studied social communications and majored in radio production. From there, I began my storytelling work in Kenya, in East Africa, and later returned to Nigeria. I worked in print, radio, and eventually television.
I worked with several TV stations and now serve as a West Africa correspondent. Storytelling comes naturally to me, for lack of a better word. Over time, I realized I was especially drawn to conflict reporting, even though it is not one of the easiest paths.
Maria Bryan:
What has stayed with you most from this work?
Àmáká Òkóyè:
What makes me most proud is being able to tell impactful stories and seeing people’s lives change because their stories were told.
I have gone into communities, listened to people, and shared their stories with the world. Because those stories were told, the world knew about them, and in some cases, lives changed.
That, to me, is what impactful solution oriented journalism is about, and what we should be focusing on as storytellers.
Maria Bryan:
Thank you for speaking that truth and for the difficult stories you tell that truly change lives.
You have also been very open about your own mental health journey. Can you share what led you to speak publicly about that experience?
Àmáká Òkóyè:
In 2021, I was covering conflict and atrocities. I met people who had been abducted and later released. I spoke with parents waiting for news of their children, not knowing if they would come back alive. I spoke with parents whose children had been killed.
At the same time, I realized that many journalists were bottling up what they were experiencing and not finding help. That silence only made things worse.
When I shared my own experience, I received many messages from journalists, women and men, thanking me and sharing their own stories. It made me realize how many people were suffering quietly.
That led me to start my own podcast, How Are You With Àmáká, as a safe space where people can come together, share honestly, and find strength in one another.
Maria Bryan:
That kind of vulnerability is incredibly powerful, especially in a profession that often rewards toughness and silence.
What practices help you care for yourself now?
Àmáká Òkóyè:
I prioritize my peace of mind and emotional stability. That means setting boundaries, limiting how much news I consume, and being intentional about rest.
I also rely on my support circle. Having people who can listen, who understand the weight of this work, makes a significant difference.
Maria Bryan:
It is remarkable how small boundaries can create real relief. That is something I hope all storytellers can hear and take to heart.
If you were speaking to someone just starting out in journalism, especially conflict reporting, what advice would you give them?
Àmáká Òkóyè:
Find a mentor.
There is something powerful about having someone hold your hand and point you toward the light. I see a real lack of mentorship for young journalists, and it is something we need to address.
I also believe in the power of technology to connect us, but nothing replaces having someone who can guide you, support you, and remind you that you are not alone.
Maria Bryan:
Àmáká, thank you for your honesty, your courage, and your commitment to telling difficult stories with integrity and care.
Àmáká Òkóyè:
Thank you for having me, and thank you for the important work you are doing.
The When Bearing Witness Podcast is produced by Rustic Roots. They are video storytellers passionate about sharing the impact of nonprofits. From story ideation to beautiful and powerful videos on screen, they've got you covered. Learn more at Rusticroots.co.