The BBC鈥檚 award-winning Africa editor Fergal Keane is stepping down from his role after several years of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, the broadcaster has said.

The corporation said it was 鈥渂rave and welcome鈥 that Fergal was 鈥渞eady to be open about PTSD鈥.

Fergal, who was appointed an OBE for his services to journalism in 2016, has reported from conflict zones across the world.

The BBC said he was moving away from the role to help his recovery.

In an announcement to BBC staff, the corporation鈥檚 head of newsgathering, Jonathan Munro, said: 鈥淔or several years, Fergal has been dealing privately with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from several decades of work in conflict zones around the world.

Supported

鈥淗e has been supported throughout this time by friends and colleagues in News, as well as receiving professional medical advice.

鈥淗owever, he now feels he needs to change his role in order to further assist his recovery. It is both brave and welcome that he is ready to be open about PTSD.鈥

The statement also praised Mr Keane for agreeing to publicise his聽PTSD, adding: 鈥淚t is both brave and welcome that he is ready to be open about PTSD.鈥

Our member Dr Justin Havens says counselling can help with trauma and PTSD. He says that all trauma is treatable and encourages people to speak to a skilled and experienced therapist.

And Justin, who is based in Cheltenham and specialises in treating trauma, has produced a .

鈥淭he key thing is that, like all physical injuries, we have a natural healing process to deal with trauma,鈥 he said.

If you want to find a counsellor or psychotherapist who can help you with聽trauma听辞谤听PTSD, visit our聽Therapist directory.