Mental health is a prevalent topic of discussion these days, and for good reason. As photographers, our state of mind determines how we handle stress, make decisions and, most importantly, how we relate to others - all essential tools for visual journalism.

Photojournalists immerse themselves in a wide variety of social situationsand sometimes high pressure active situations to tell stories. It may involve being emotionally vulnerable and experiencing events as they unfold. Work fatigue, burnout and job uncertainty are factors that can trigger challenges to photographers.

Becky Lebowitz Hanger and Melissa Farlow share their thoughts on how visual journalists can care for their mental health.

"Young photographers are sometimes drawn to the drama," freelance photographer Melissa Farlow said. "It seems that doing something stressful is a path to being a professional photographer." Perhaps it's cliché, Farlow said, but know what excites you and pursue projects you are passionate about. Constantly pursuing assignments that you are not excited to work on can lead to burnout and mental fatigue.

New York Times Photographers' Chief Becky Lebowitz Hanger says it is essential to know yourself and your limits and to listen to what your body is saying. . "It is ok to get outside your comfort zone and push yourself to try something new," Lebowitz Hanger said. "But understand the difference between pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and pushing yourself beyond what's healthy."

It is important to detach yourself from work and take time to clear your mind. A lot of times, especially with projects, you end up working all the time. "I am very adamant that everybody takes weekends and takes time off," Lebowitz Hanger said.

Projects can take a toll on you, and your body needs to recoup before diving into another assignment. The strategy for processing these emotions is personal and can be as simple as talking to a confidant. "It is important to have a community and find a support network," Lebowitz Hanger said. "If things are not ok, you have people to go to, people who can understand."

Communicate with editors if you cannot pursue a particular type of assignment. "There are other ways you can be productive and contribute," Lebowitz Hanger said.

"Keep a journal of your experiences," Farlow suggests. "Writing down what you are feeling, what you are thinking, what the experience was, the details of it."

Taking care of your mental health does not mean you should avoid picking up your camera at all. You can always take on a light-hearted projects. "You need assignments that fills you with hope, too," Lebowitz Hanger said.

Finally, if you feel that a simple rant to a friend or boss doesn't cut it any longer, visit a mental health professional.

MPW. 74 came to a boil this week in Excelsior Springs as temperatures soared in the high 90s. The town and surrounding areas are experiencing unseasonably humid air resulting in a heat index ranging from 99 to 104 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The historical average for September in Excelsior Springs is 66.8 degrees.

In many previous years, MPW has been granted exceptionally nice weather. The inaugural workshop in Columbia, held in 1949, experienced a high of 70 degrees. But that year the workshop was held in May. The average temperature in September for the following decades consistently measured in the upper 60s and low 70s.

MPW. 74 faculty member Kim Komenich has attended a whopping 26 workshops, and this was the hottest he could remember. “If I were a newspaper photographer on a daily assignment, I'd know exactly what to do today,” Komenich said. “But in a way, weather kind of gets in the way of doing a project like this.”

Photographers are wise to stay hydrated. “Even though we've got this mission to tell stories and save the world, we got to take care of ourselves,” Komenich said.

Photographer Minh Connors had every intention of drinking of plenty of water throughout the day. When he returned to the water bottles in his car after taking photos, they were extraordinarily warm. “It was almost as hot as tea when I drank it, and I don't drink hot tea to quench my thirst,” Connors said.

While watching photographers endure the sticky heat, Komenich said he was thankful to have MPW headquarters in The Montgomery an air-conditioned space. The weather forcast for the rest of the week is more comfortable, averaging a more seasonal 70s.

After photographing in the stinkin' hot heat in Excelsior Springs, photographers regrouped at MPW.74 headquarters for an evening of exciting presentations and discussions Tuesday night.

Kim Komenich kickstarted the evening with an MPW archive video of faculty membets sharing pearls of wisdom on photography. "Shoot with passion and edit with dispassion," Komenich said in the video.

Becky Lebowitz, the Photographers' Chief at The New York Times and in her third year on faculty at the workshop, spoke about 'Pitching, photographing and publishing story ideas.' Her presentation provided insight into what editors look for in a story pitch and discussed how to pursue long-term projects.

Her presentation emphasized that a story should be well-researched - it should look beyond the obvious, be well-planned and pitched ahead of time. "When you make a pitch, know if it has been done before," Lebowitz said.

Through various examples, Lebowitz discussed the importance of communicating with an editor and reporting while working on long-term projects. Lebowitz's presentation traced the journey of four photo assignments from pitching to publication.

Jillian Kumagai, a visuals editor at ProPublica, and her first year at the workshop, discussed, 'Seeing the Bigger Picture.'

"Determine what is interesting and what is narratively interesting," she said. She explained the importance of researching and building a network to report on important issues. "Make contacts around you about issues you care about," Kumagai said.

Sarah Leen, the founder of the Visual Thinking Collective who has worked as a photographer, a photo editor, and the first female director of photography at National Geographic Magazine, Leen spoke about how 'Editing Begins in the Field' and outlined elements necessary for building a photo story. Through various examples and life experiences Leen spoke about the tools photographer can use to weave a successful narrative and evoke an emotional response from readers.

“Don’t forget that beauty is a powerful for getting people to care,” she said.

A record-setting 20 pitch-approved photographers had photos shown for the Tuesday night crititque.