BBC special correspondent Fergal Keane is set to be a part of a new documentary on PTSD. The programme will explore Fergal's own diagnosis with an acute form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The 60 minute documentary, airing tonight (May 9) on BBC Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer, will explore Fergal's own diagnosis and discuss the disorder with others living with it. He also investigates the latest research into PTSD and treatments.
The description of the programme reads: "BBC special correspondent Fergal Keane has covered conflict and brutality for more than 30 years. From Kigali to Baghdad to Belfast, he was always at the heart of the story and became a trusted BBC face, known for reporting with humanity and extraordinary empathy.
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"But off-screen, Fergal struggled to keep another story from overwhelming him. He was suffering from an acute form of post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2020, Fergal went public with his diagnosis of PTSD.
"In this personal film, Fergal lays bare its impact on himself and others like him. He explores how the disorder led him to consider withdrawing from conflict reporting and investigates the latest scientific thinking behind PTSD and its treatment."
Who is Fergal Keane?
Fergal Keane was born in London, but grew up in Dublin and then Cork. He went to Presentation Brothers College in Cork.
How did his career begin?
Fergal's career started at the Irish newspaper Limerick Leader before moving onto the Irish Press and on to RTÉ. He then joined the BBC in 1989 where he worked as a Northern Ireland correspondent.
His career continued with the BBC and he was appointed as its South African correspondent, covering the Rwandan genocide and the first multi-racial elections following the end of the apartheid. He was appointed OBE for services to journalism in 1996.
When was he diagnosed with PTSD?
Fergal revealed that he had been diagnosed with PTSD in January 2020. He stood down from his position as BBC's Africa editor to focus on his diagnosis.
Fergal Keane: Living with PTSD, airs tonight on Monday 9 May at 9pm, on BBC Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.
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