6) Ensuring Best Writing Practices
After understanding the general requirements to keep in mind whilst submitting your content articles for 7 Cups publication, this discussion highlights some general writing tips to keep in mind when writing content that relates to mental health.
Things to Do:
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Make sure the article is empathetic, kind, helpful & informative (it fulfills the reader who found it), empowering. Replace mental “illness” or “disease” with “condition” or “issue” and soften any other mental health stigma language that might pop up. This helps ensure that your tone is supportive.
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Think of story ideas that will be sharable in social media
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Be concise
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Be conversational and accessible in your writing
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Back up statements with research or facts if applicable (cite sources) - try to confirm facts by ensuring at least 2 different sources mentioning them.
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Include expert quotes and insights -- you can reach out to a psychologist or expert about your story and offer a quote and link to their practice for the collaboration. Make sure their title/expertise is attributed in the article
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Be thorough, don’t gloss over specifics
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Give the reader empathy and hope
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Put yourself in the reader’s shoes: ask yourself what they need out of reading your piece and then deliver that
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Try to combine personal experiences with expert insight to strengthen your piece.
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Consider including friends and family members of people impacted by your topic in your audience.
For more tips on reporting mental health conditions and choosing words carefully, read the American Psychiatric Association’s article here
Other Tips:
The following are general guidelines to help find facts, help link things with 7 Cups as well as outreaching tips for personal stories and expert insight:
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Always try to hyperlink some of your main sources.
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Use authentic reporting websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization, or American Psychological Association, etc. for facts and up-to-date statistics. (Can be hyperlinked as mentioned above)
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Use Google Scholar to search for relevant research work. Abstracts usually summarize research findings.
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When outlining your article, consider asking yourself which information and what type of information can be added as a priority. For example, an article about mental health during the pandemic would likely report authentic global statistics and could use published research information.
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When reviewing other resources that cover your topic or something close to it, always ask yourself what can help enhance that available content. How can you ensure you are providing a unique take on the topic? Consider thinking about what is missing that could be worth mentioning.
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7 Cups has lots of free services, including available self-help guides, subcommunities with forums, and other areas - generally, editorial assistants at 7 Cups help backlink to these resources, but you are welcome to directly mention them if it applies, for instance, mentioning how Sharing Circles can help users cope with loneliness or the lack of support in their daily lives.
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Outreaching for both personal or expert quotes can be done via social media, contact forms of blog posts, or even email considering which information is available. You are welcome to PM @SoulfullyAButterfly if you think a 7 Cups Expert can help provide you the quote or required insight.
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When outreaching for personal stories, introduce yourself and 7 Cups and explain your article topic briefly, and why you think their personal experience could help. Share how you can back-link (link back) to the person’s blog or other resources if they would like that in return for sharing their quote. Ensure that you ask them if they would like their name to be disclosed, or if they would like a pseudonym. Finally, let them know you will share the final published version so they can also share it with their acquaintances.
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When requiring an expert quote, use the same procedure discussed, but consider asking for the expert’s availability. Mention how the expert’s work can aid your write-up and any questions you have. Ask for the expert’s professional practice page link and if they are interested, mention how they can have a published expert profile at 7 Cups (you can CC ayesha@7cups.com if needed).
Things To Avoid:
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The overuse of cliches or corny language
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Making it overly formal or using references most wouldn’t understand
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Using extraneous words/phrases. For example, you don’t have to write, “it’s important to…” If you’re writing it, the reader will assume it’s important. Unless, of course, it really is a surprise that this piece of advice is important - in which case say that
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Forgetting to explain the “why”
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Repeating the same word or phrase often (unless intentional, i.e. in an article about a mantra you might repeat the mantra several times)
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Overusing exclamation points
Activity
Using the information you just learned, write a paragraph (minimum of 100 words) for the article topic “Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic” - as this is only a paragraph and NOT the complete article, state a brief heading which will inform the reader whether your paragraph is about a general introduction or something more specific. Ensure your paragraph contains facts. Please note that you are to mention your sources too, as well as a link to at least one source within the paragraph.
Bonus: Consider using previous discussions to research and use keywords.
Additionally, reply to at least one other student and highlight the strengths of their work as well as areas for improvement.
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This post is brought to you by the Content Development and Marketing Program, find out more information about the program here
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A quick read on how to stay connected during the lockdown.
The pandemic continues to take a global toll on people’s health, both physically and mentally. From jobs to classes, personal gatherings to funerals, our entire lives have been forcibly moved online. Whilst services like Microsoft teams and zoom have been incredibly helpful in our fight for normality in the pandemic, isolation and loneliness still loom in the background of many people’s lives. In November 2020, the height of the pandemic in the UK, the mental health foundation conducted a survey showing that one in four adults (roughly 24%) had reported feeling lonely. This survey revealed that the figure was mostly made up of full-time students, single parents, young people, and the unemployed. These figures have proved that it is imperative that we take care of our mental well-being during these trying times.
Let’s discuss some ways to combat loneliness-
· Stay in regular contact with family, friends, and loved ones – There are ways of doing this that go beyond a standard video call. Try doing online activities together such as quizzes and games to give your calls some variation.
· Explore new hobbies and try that thing you’ve always wanted to! – There is no better time to try a new hobby, why not learn that language you’ve always wanted to? Or cook yourself a fantastic meal using a new recipe?
· Practicing mindfulness and meditation- Apps such as Headspace and Calm have hundreds of meditation exercises to help you feel more at ease and comfortable with your own company. The Daily Jay on the Calm app is a quick and calming way to ground yourself. Meditation is a great way to develop a better relationship with you.
· If possible, within the circumstances, why not go out and enjoy nature? – With restrictions varying from city to city, this is not always possible. However, a great way to feel less lonely is to connect with the world around you.
· Try the Seven Cups online chat service – Seven cups of tea is a virtual mental health service that uses trained listeners to offer a space for anyone to talk, anytime. Visit us here at https://www.7cups.com
@Womerz hi I like how you breakdown ways to cope with the loneliness, it's easy to read and understand😊
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A concise attempt at explaining loneliness and its coping mechanism
What is loneliness?
The state of being alone and being emotionally deprived of socialisation is termed as loneliness.
And yes,
it’s taking a toll on the mental health of many.
Surviving loneliness
Loneliness during COVID-19 has heightened due to numerous factors like anxiety, restrictions, failing in work life and other affairs. Thankfully,
Coping isn’t very difficult:
- -----Try to stay in touch with the loved ones and friends
- -----Practice some hobby whenever loneliness strikes.
- -----Meditation is a great tool to support yourself
- ------ Try out something new. Lockdown might have given you that opportunity.
I hope you cope with loneliness and come out gracefully. 💗
Sources that helped:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loneliness
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Why finding ways to deal with loneliness is so important in a Covid world
Many of us this year have had to face losses, hardships and so much isolation. While we try and navigate a new changing post-covid world, there has been one thing that has affected most if not all of us.
Loneliness. It's something most people will experience at least once in their lifetime, but something almost nobody talks about. The statistics are out. According to the analysis of loneliness reported by the office for national statistics, UK from the period April to May 2020, 2.6 million felt lonely 'often' or 'always'. Of those who were asked, 30.9%, that's 7.4 million adults, reported they're well being had been affected by feelings of loneliness.
These figures show how much isolation and interaction with others is so crucial. Whether that be a phone call with a loved one or a walk with your friend, it's crucial more than ever that we spend quality time with those we care about. The pandemic revealed how we are social creatures, that need attention and interaction with people. So even if you don't feel like you have someone to talk to, organisations like 7 cups are helping combat this second, arguably more deadly epidemic that is loneliness.
@dreamRainbows3245
Great paragraph. I liked how u mentioned the links later and handled the matter before. You are right, we rarely talk about Loneliness.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Managing Loneliness During Covid-19 Pandemic
Feeling lonely and isolated is an inevitable challange during Covid-19. Despite being restricted from the authority or self-isolation to keep the loved ones safe with social and physical distancing. So many people have to work from home, unable to travel, and living in artificial world from their rooms. Quarantine surely is an unpleasant experience involving separation with loved ones, uncertainty, increased mental stress, anger and irritability, depressive and somatic symptoms, insomnia, lack of motivation, and loneliness. So that coping mechanism is needed to manage loneliness well. Copingstrategies can be adaptive which are active and stress-resolving,such as leisure activities, focus on work, religion or spiritualpractice, sharing or social support, and connecting with others usingsocial media. However, when you continue to have feelings of loneliness and feel hopeless, it is important to seek professional help. You are strong, loved and amazing, let's overcome loneliness during pandemics together.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Managing Loneliness During Covid-19 Pandemic
Feeling lonely and isolated is an inevitable challange during Covid-19. Despite being restricted from the authority or self-isolation to keep the loved ones safe with social and physical distancing. So many people have to work from home, unable to travel, and living in artificial world from their rooms. Quarantine surely is an unpleasant experience involving separation with loved ones, uncertainty, increased mental stress, anger and irritability, depressive and somatic symptoms, insomnia, lack of motivation, and loneliness. So that coping mechanism is needed to manage loneliness well. Copingstrategies can be adaptive which are active and stress-resolving,such as leisure activities, focus on work, religion or spiritualpractice, sharing or social support, and connecting with others usingsocial media. However, when you continue to have feelings of loneliness and feel hopeless, it is important to seek professional help. You are strong, loved and amazing, let's overcome loneliness during pandemics together.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
“Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic"
According to Wikipedia, Loneliness is an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation. Sounds very familiar in present times, doesn’t it? Harvard study states that young adults are hit the hardest by the pandemic in terms of loneliness. Covid has been a challenge to most of the people around the world. Mental health is looked upon with a new lens during these times. People have suffered with loss, grief, anxiety, isolation and loneliness among other things. According to this WHO Report, the one thing that was perceived to prevent us from COVID- “Self Isolation” or “Quarantine” took a toll on our mental health in a negative way. The biggest irony is that the number is so huge that we are feeling “#LonelyTogether”.
Having said that its extremely important to make ourselves aware of this situation and collectively take action:
- Take vaccines
- Socialize with family members
- Take part in virtual events (Even at 7Cups, there are subcommunities)
- Maintain a Diary and Write down your feelings
- Exercise/ do Yoga and maintain a healthy diet. So, lets fight Loneliness together, shall we? PS: Open to Feedback.
Hello @Prachi9876 !! I like how empathic your post is. I think that it is also conversational and concise. I think for improvement, perhaps we can avoid using Wikipedia. Then, I think we can still add some more details for each tip just to make it more relatable and easier for all to follow. Nonetheless, good job! Thank you! 😃
@crang17
Thank you for pointing it out! Now that you have mentioned even I feel I shouldn't have quoted Wiki 😅
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
4 Easy Ways to Beat Loneliness in COVID19
Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness have been prevalent worldwide, especially since the onset of COVID19, which studies called BEHAVIORAL PANDEMIC. Human beings connect socially to form the basic units of our society. Unfortunately, COVID19 hit the world massively and exposed everyone to a virus that people know little about and continuously evolve. To mitigate the spread of the virus, governments imposed lockdowns and restrictions that limit movements. Those who have been exposed to COVID 19, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic needed to isolate themselves further in a quarantine. All the limitations and isolation resulted in loneliness to the majority of people.
There are ways to improve loneliness and feel connected while still in isolation.
- Spend as much time as possible with family either physically at home or virtually with technology. It is rare for people to have this much time at home pre-pandemic, so as the world shifts to a new normal, we now have more opportunities to create quality interactions with them.
- Utilize technology to maintain social connections while being at home either through chat, video calls, or playing games together. Currently, there are many ways to connect with one another via social media platforms.
- Keep a healthy lifestyle while at home to boost mood. This is a good time to form new healthy habits to strengthen the mind and body. Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.
- Stay safe outside by maintaining proper social distancing and wearing face masks at all times. There is no better way to protect oneself from the virus but by following the safety protocols.
As the world shifts to new normal in the midst of a pandemic, it is not yet the end of the world for us. Take care of yourself and your loved ones by staying safe and healthy by adopting steps to secure connections, maintain healthy activities, and regulate emotions.
References:
Hwang, T.J, et al (2020). Loneliness and Social Interaction during COVID19 - pandemic. Int Psychogeriatr. doi: 10.1017/S1041610220000988
Pennisi, E. (2011). How humans became social. Wired. https://www.wired.com/2011/11/humans-social/
Mental Health Foundation (n.d.). Loneliness during coronavirus. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/loneliness-during-coronavirus
Covid-19: The single-parent struggle with loneliness
Covid-19 has presented all of humanity with unprecedented challenges and struggles among which reporting higher rates of loneliness due to the isolation and social distancing measures. This is especially true for single-parent families. To all the single parents who are reading this, I want you to know that you are not alone in dealing with this painful feeling. The findings of a survey conducted by researchers from the University of Oregon show that single parents are struggling more than others when it comes to their emotional well-being. Levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness are remarkably higher.
Single caregivers have a lot on their plate. From having to look after the kids and figuring out how to home school them to being responsible for providing for the household. This is absolutely overwhelming, especially when you are facing it on your own in a world full of uncertainty. But there is always a way to help you make things better. Even in the hardest of times, there's always hope. So follow me to the next part of the article.
References:
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Hello @magicalOcean594,
I enjoyed reading your post! It was very encouraging and empathetic. I think people who read this will feel assured and have hope. One feedback I would like to give is to add spacing between your paragraphs, so it's easier to read. Overall, excellent job!
@magicalOcean594 I like how informative your paragraph is. One thing I might suggest for improvement is to break up the content with headings for readability!