Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is a powerful tool for seeking justice. But for those of us in this field, the work often comes at a personal cost. Exposure to graphic content, high-pressure deadlines, and the emotional toll of sensitive investigations can deeply impact mental health. Trauma doesn’t just happen to victims, it happens to the professionals who bear witness to their suffering.

After years of investigations and my own diagnosis of PTSD, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply this work can affect your mental health. Whether it’s investigating animal cruelty, human trafficking, or hate groups, the exposure to humanity’s darkest sides leaves its mark. As OSINT professionals, we need tools, routines, and support systems to sustain our mental wellbeing while continuing our critical work.

How Trauma Affects OSINT Professionals

OSINT investigations often immerse us in distressing materials: images, videos, and texts that reveal the worst of human behaviour. Over time, this exposure can lead to vicarious trauma, a condition where indirect exposure to traumatic events deeply affects the investigator. Symptoms can include:

• Emotional numbness or hyper-vigilance.
• Sleep disturbances, nightmares, or insomnia.
• Difficulty focusing or maintaining motivation.
• Anxiety, depression, or feelings of helplessness.
• Avoidance behaviours, such as reluctance to engage with specific types of cases.

Even when we don’t recognise these signs as trauma, they can accumulate, eventually leading to burnout or more severe mental health challenges.

The Importance of Routines and Decompression

In OSINT, where the line between work and personal life can blur, routines and decompression are essential. These practices create boundaries that protect mental health and improve long-term resilience.

1. Structured Routines for Stability
   • Time Blocking for Research: Schedule focused periods for OSINT investigations with clear start and end times. Avoid working late into the night or during personal time to prevent overexposure.
   • Breaks and Transitions: Include short breaks between tasks, especially after consuming distressing content. Use this time to stretch, hydrate, or step away from screens.
2. Decompression Techniques
   • Physical Activity: Exercise can help process stress and restore a sense of control. Even a short walk after a session can make a difference.
   • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or grounding exercises can help centre your thoughts after exposure to triggering material.
   • Engaging in Hobbies: Creative or relaxing activities provide a mental reset, offering a way to focus on something positive and unrelated to work.

When to Seek Professional Help

Despite best efforts, there are times when trauma becomes too overwhelming to manage alone. Recognising these moments is critical:

• Persistent feelings of anxiety, dread, or hopelessness.
• Difficulty sleeping or constant nightmares about work-related content.
• Physical symptoms, like chronic fatigue, headaches, or stomach issues, with no clear medical cause.
• A sense of detachment from loved ones or inability to enjoy personal activities.

Seeking therapy or counselling isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a tool for growth and healing. Mental health professionals can provide tailored strategies to address trauma and build resilience.

The Power of Peer-to-Peer Support

In a field as isolating as OSINT, peer support can be a lifeline. Sharing experiences with colleagues who understand the work can validate feelings and reduce loneliness. Peer networks can offer:

• Emotional Support: Simply having someone to listen can lighten the load.
• Practical Advice: Peers often have firsthand tips for managing specific challenges or cases.
• Shared Coping Strategies: Learning from others’ methods of decompression or stress management can broaden your toolkit.

These connections remind us that we’re not alone in facing the emotional burdens of OSINT.

Why Workplaces Must Invest in Mental Health

Organisations that rely on OSINT professionals must take responsibility for their wellbeing. A healthy workforce isn’t just an ethical priority, it’s a practical one. Employees who feel supported are more engaged, productive, and resilient. Here’s what workplaces can do:

1. Provide Access to Professional Resources
   • Offer free counselling and mental health support.
   • Include mental health training during onboarding and throughout employment.
2. Integrate Mental Health First Aiders
   Having trained Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace provides immediate support to employees experiencing distress. These individuals can offer initial assistance, promote awareness, and guide colleagues to professional resources when needed.
3. Encourage Work-Life Balance
   • Establish clear boundaries for work hours.
   • Normalise the need for mental health days or time off after particularly demanding investigations.
4. Foster a Culture of Openness
   When leadership prioritises mental health, it sends a powerful message. Encourage employees to speak up about challenges and ensure they feel safe doing so.

Moving Forward: Building a Resilient OSINT Community

The work we do in OSINT is vital, but it’s also deeply personal. We face trauma not because we are weak, but because we care so deeply about making a difference. By adopting routines, seeking support, and advocating for systemic changes in our workplaces, we can build a healthier, more sustainable OSINT community.

If you’re in this field, know this: it’s okay to ask for help. My inbox is always open for anyone. It’s okay to admit that some days are harder than others. And it’s okay to prioritise yourself, even when the work feels urgent. Together, we can balance the demands of OSINT with the need for care and compassion – both for the victims we advocate for and for ourselves.

Jacob Lloyd is the Executive Director of the Animal Welfare Investigations Project. He has extensive experience in investigating organised animal cruelty across the globe with a particular focus on covert internet investigations.