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
COPING WITH LONELINESS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC :
The Role My Extended Family Played.
I am a full-time academic. The almost 2 years of work from home was a new and interesting challenge but brought with it its share of loneliness and claustrophobic feeling. But since I live in an extended family it was so comforting to spend quality time with them, particularly my father who passed away during the first wave.
Hence what could have been devastatingly lonely worked out so full of fun and togetherness.
👍👌👍
Eagerly waiting for your response. Feed back.
Thanks
@RideaRainbow Hey there :) I see that you've done this forum discussion. I love that you're writing from your point of view and sharing your story. It's one of a great way that we could connect to our reader.
However, it looks like your paragraph doesn't pass the required words which is minimum 100 words and please mention your sources within your paragraph at least one.
It would be much appreciated for you to improvise and rewrite and repost your article here and we're looking forward to it. Let us know if there's anything you would anything for us to assist you with.
Thanks for your feed back. Will surely work on it.
🌹
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to handle the day to day stress while in qaurentine with your children.
While in isolation in qaurentine, emotions and anxiety are running high for all family members. Sometimes our kids can get fussy more than usual, or say they are bored more than average. Theres a way to cure this stress and anxiety without wanting to rip your hair out moms and dads! A few tips include but not limited to are as follows. Try to get adequate sleep and stay on the same routine sleep schedule you would if you were going to work or school. This could help less anxiety in the kids mental well being who are very structured oriented. Reduce tv, social media, or screen time. Sitting for long periods of time can disrupt our brain schedule, we want to make sure we are still staying active somehow and not becoming couch potatos, try a fun game walking around the house a few times together(if allows) or even some yoga. Fun for all ages ! The fear of unknown can create stress for the children. Make sure you are giving them lots of love(such as loving touches, hugs, human contact) as they can not be in the outside world with there friends, which brings me too ZOOM. If comfortable, set up a weekly zoom with there friends where they can chat and be silly as socialization. Normalization is the biggest thing for you and your family, making the best of it and keeping a positive attitude through it all even though it can get hard sometimes, will keep things in motion for you all. Good luck!
@magicalocean594
@magicalOcean594
I forgot my links.
https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-reduce-your-child-s-stress-during-the-pandemic-5119477
@magicalOcean594 Thank you for your article and the links. It looks like you have an interesting way to connect with your reader. I see that you use a friendly tone when delivering your point and I really love that. Besides that, I love the examples that you're using here.
There are some things that may need a bit of improvisation, being careful in spelling and using punctuation precisely. I suggest that you could use sequence connectors in your article. It is a really helpful tool when it comes to writing :)
Overall you did a great job in this article. Keep going and we would love to see how would you improvise yourself in your upcoming article. All the best! Let us know if you need any assistance regarding the coursework :)
@magicalOcean594
Hello fellow Trainee! 🥰 I really like the topic you chose, it's extremely important that techniques like the ones you suggested and provided link to can be practiced among families during this time. Keeping the children involved in healthy proactive manners as you've mentioned is even more important, the children are our future 💙
My only feedback is a tip I actually got from our CDM iconographs: Utilize Grammarly before final submission :) It helps detect the tone for the audience as well as help reword or rearrange our sentences better. Overall you chose a very important and impressive topic, as well as did a fantastic job with the structure
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Feeling Less Lonely While Alone
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a daunting process to say the least for everyone around the globe. One of the most challenging adjustments for most have been dealing with quarantine mandates and being unable to gather and socialize as we once could. Coping with feelings of loneliness during this pandemic is completely valid during these adjustments. Popular YouTuber and best selling author Noah Elkrief once mentioned, "If being alone creates the feeling of loneliness, then you would feel forced to feel lonely in every single moment you are alone". Is that true? In some moments alone you are enjoying yourself whether you're drawing, listening to music, eating your favorite food or watching your favorite TV show. In some moments, you do not feel lonely when you are alone. That means being alone can't cause loneliness, it has to be something else. That "something else" is your thoughts. When distracted from your thoughts you feel fine, until a thought pops up and tell you if you had friends, a romantic partner etc. you wouldn't be lonely. This shows that loneliness is not caused by being alone, but by our thoughts.
Check out this video here, including more insight from Noah Elkrief! Here, Noah provides guidance on how to deal with loneliness and how to never feel lonely again; This will serve helpful especially during the pandemic 💙
This is a nice relatable article that would really help anyone going through loneliness but I think you should try to focus more on the topic as regarding the pandemic , but it is lovely
@SirenOfSerenity I really love how you elaborate by being alone doesn't mean someone is suffering from loneliness and explain how loneliness itself forms. and I really love how you asked your reader to think for a moment using the quote. It's really effective to peak our curiosity.
In my opinion, maybe you could focus more on the title and content which is on how to cope with loneliness.
Overall, you did a great job here. All the best for your article. Keep writing and keep going!
@SirenOfSerenity
Wow! I like this alot. Bringing in the influencer and their take on combating loneliness while also chiming in with empathy is clever. Well done!
@SirenOfSerenity
It's a very relatable article, thanks for sharing :)
@SoufullyAButterfly
REDUCING LONELINESS DURING THE PANDEMIC
Loneliness is an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation. Loneliness is also described as social pain—a psychological mechanism which motivates individuals to seek social connections.
It is a state of mind that can lead to depression which is why we have to try as much as possible to reduce it.
There are so many people we are surrounded by that are going through a state of loneliness which is why we have to try as much as possible to help the people around us….. empathy, compassion and understanding are some important things we have to demonstrate.
Statistically the rate of loneliness has been increased to the pandemic. https://www.ons.gov.uk,peoplepopulationandcommunity,wellbeing,bulletins,coronavirusandlonelinessgreatbritain,3aprilto3may2020
What can you do if you feel lonely during the pandemic?
Explore ways to spend time together : Many of us have withdrawn ourselves from our loved ones and family due to the pandemic whilst living in isolation but rather this is the perfect time to connect and bond with yourselves by doing the things you love and communicating with each other to reduce the anxiety that might come as a result of loneliness. You can also try to reach out to your friends and join a group chat to talk about anything that makes you happy.
Try to share your feelings – but do not compare : Being able to share your feelings and thoughts with others can help reduce loneliness and hearing a familiar voice, because you have to remember you're not alone. Sometimes social media tends not to help an individual at a particular situation depending on the content he/she views so try not to compare yourself to what you see out there.
Do more things you enjoy : We all have our various preferences, try to participate in what you love doing that makes you feel relaxed and reduces thinking. You can try journaling ,listening to podcasts, taking a walk or cycling, painting, drawing, binging your favourite shows, doing some chores , dancing and so many other things. But do what you love.
By learning something new and staying busy : This is a good time to do what you have always wanted to do but couldn't do, maybe due to time or stress. It may be learning a new language, cooking , learning a musical instrument , DIY's and so much more. Just do what you love and find comfort .
Volunteer to help others : We all have what we're passionate about…someone out there needs your help. You can use your skill or knowledge to help people . Try to get involved in as many activities as possible that you know can help people and vice versa but try not to overwork yourself.
Join an online community : Always remember you're not alone. If you're struggling with loneliness or any mental health issues you can join communities that are centered in helping people overcome situations that you feel unable to talk about
Communities like https://www.7cups.com,home,?cr=header
are free anonymous chat platforms that help you connect with like minded people and experts in the field of mental health who are ready to support and guide you through your journey
References
https://en.m.wikipedia.org,wiki,Loneliness
https://www.nhs.uk,every-mind-matters,coronavirus,coping-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus,
@EmpathyShoulder1904
You did an amazing job! You structured everything very well and very informative, with proper links to your sources. Anyone who reads this is provided an abundance of ways to combat the feeling of loneliness and it feels like it is from an experts point of view 💙
Thank you ❤ 😊
This is really well structured with links to reliable sources and signposting back to 7 cups. Great work in my opinion.
I forgot to do the areas of improvement feedback before, sorry! I’m struggling to find a point to improve, but I’d avoid using the ellipsis and use a colon instead.
@EmpathyShoulder1904
Hi, I enjoyed your article and the well-thought-out tips to help someone cope. It was very personable and was written for anyone to use the information. Thank you for sharing.
@EmpathyShoulder1904 I love that you starts your article with telling people the definition of loneliness itself. You gave so many points and elaborations for each points which is really helpful for readers to understand and apply it in real life. And that's such a great way to promote and spread words to others about 7 cups community.
But please keep in mind to keep our article unique. Keeping it unique in our own way will let ourselves know how much understanding have we put into something. It's okay to search for it to get some ideas and how to put it into words.
Overall, this article has a lot of potential and we look forward for your upcoming article. I totally in love with how you write it down. Keep going and keep writing!
@EmpathyShoulder1904
Very detailed and informative article. Like how the article is properly structured and provides all the necessary information.
Like the way of writing as well.
@EmpathyShoulder1904
I loved how you incorporated 7 Cups as an online community to join. I liked the tone - hopeful and optimistic.
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID 19 Pandemic
The Covid 19 Pandemic has been a very stressful and emotional time for people all over the world. During the height of the pandemic in the summer of 2020 I found coping extremely difficult so I began to participate in online classes and support groups via Zoom. While I found it frustrating to always be on camera and had a difficult time adjusting to technology early on, the experience proved to be extremely rewarding. I have not only learned new skills by attending workshops covering topics such as leadership, teamwork, and advocacy, I have also been able to build my network globally. This has opened up many opportunities to collaborate and work on projects which will open any doors in my career.
@easyMaple3687
A very good job in sharing your personal experience highlighting methods for growth during those tough times. But I kind of feel like the paragraph did not touch the loneliness aspect of lockdown as much? So maybe a few more lines on that would make it better. But well done. Keep writing :)
@easyMaple3687 I can see that you're writing this article from your point of view and how you're coping with it. I really love that idea.
I suggest that you put more points and contents in your article as it would make it more interesting. And please include links and resources that you've referred to write this article.
Keep writing and keep going. I wish you all the best for your upcoming article :)
You’re not alone– 7cups is there for you
Covid has us locked in our houses. Many are away from their family and friends. How many of us miss those unforeseen and accidental encounters in cafes and parks. Lockdown accompanied by isolation of Covid infected or those suspected of infection has put a heavy toll on people's mental health, leading to the feeling of loneliness. Loneliness is a risk factor for many mental disorders like depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, chronic stress, insomnia or even late-life dementia (Wilson et al., 2007). It is in such times that a conversation with someone can become life saviour.
However, we can feel lucky about the fact that we live in a digital age and albeit it doesn't come close to face-to-face interaction, but it can provide some solace to agitated and lonely people by connecting them to their family or others like them.
In this regard I’d like to highlight the features of 7 cups and the commendable work this platform has been doing for those who feel lonely or other issues stemming from this feeling. 7cups provide facility of one-on-one interaction with a trained listener, forums for a wide array of topics and issues, and group chats in case one needs community support. It also has the facility to connect one to an expert. There is a reason why it’s been called a “caring revolution”.
We are not alone in this. We need to remember that. We need to be there for one another.
References: {{Wilson, R. S., Krueger, K. R., Arnold, S. E., Schneider, J. A., Kelly, J. F., Barnes, L. L., . . .Bennett, D. A. (2007). Loneliness and risk of Alzheimer disease. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(2), 234–240.}}
{{https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/7-cups-caring-revolution}}
@FerineMusings I love the way how you write your own article. It flows like fluid and mesmerizing. I really love your introduction here and how you promote 7 cups service in your article.
Maybe you could put more contents and points on how to cope with loneliness here and please keep in mind to keep our article unique and original.
All in all, I'm impressed by your article especially the way how it is written and delivered to readers. Looking forward for your next article. Keep going and keep writing!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Introduction
Have you been feeling lonely since the start of the coronavirus pandemic? You’re certainly not alone if you answered “yes.”
According to the a charity based in the United Kingdom, Campaign to End Loneliness, the current COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in the amount of people experiencing chronic loneliness. And this isn’t an isolated finding, with the American Psychological Association claiming that during the pandemic there has been a global increase in levels of loneliness.
With an abundance of medical evidence demonstrating that loneliness has serious consequences for our health, it is no surprise that people are searching for ways to combat their own loneliness and support others struggling with the same issue. Keep reading to find out what experts recommend and where you can seek support if you are one of the millions of people struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-in-your-body-when-youre-lonely/
https://www.insider.com/effects-loneliness-health-2018-6
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889159102000739
@YellowButton223
Love that you cited multiple sources for your paragraph, and linked to a couple as well. It's a very strong and positive message!
@YellowButton223
Hello! I see that you made an interesting and strong introduction using the resources that you've found.
however, It looks like you're not the topic and content which were given to you which is how to cope with loneliness during pandemic- our main focus for this article. You could elaborate more about your contents using the resources that you've found.
All the best for your upcoming article! Keep going and keep writing!
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Trajectory of Loneliness
During the coronavirus pandemic, a study was conducted by a group of psychologists and published in the American Psychologist. This study aimed to track the trajectory of loneliness, and hypothesized the concern that loneliness would increase during lockdown periods. However, according to the study’s findings:
“Contrary to expectations, there were no significant mean-level changes in loneliness across the three assessments (d = .04, p > .05). In fact, respondents perceived increased support from others over the follow-up period (d = .19, p < .01). Older adults reported less loneliness overall compared to younger age groups but had an increase in loneliness during the acute phase of the outbreak (d = .14, p < .05). Their loneliness, however, leveled off after the issuance of stay-at-home orders.” (Luchetti, M., Lee, J. H., Aschwanden, D., Sesker, A., Strickhouser, J. E., Terracciano, A., & Sutin, A. R. (2020). The trajectory of loneliness in response to COVID-19. American Psychologist, 75(7), 897.)
It was seen through this study that the average scale of loneliness went down over time as they received support from others during lockdown, despite some detrimental impacts on vulnerable individuals. Even with social distancing requirements being implemented, there was a sense of togetherness involved that aided in combating the general feelings of loneliness that most participants experienced.
@WingedSoul
Hello! It looks like that we detected a very high percentage plagiarism in your article. The article needs to be done original and unique in your own way using the resources and links you've found. It also looks like your article doesn't focus on our main content which is coping loneliness during the pandemic.
I suggest for you to redo and rewrite a new article for this discussion and post it in here. Let me know if you need any assistance regarding it.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
My response to the article topic "Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic":
A military wife's perspective: Facing the loneliness of the pandemic
Military life is more than a job. It's a lifestyle. From my perspective, it can be exhilarating and fulfilling but also challenging and isolating. As a military spouse, or a military parent, finding the support, you need to handle the loneliness and stress can be difficult. A popular misconception is that military family members are more resilient to challenges than their civilian counterparts. The fact of the matter is, they aren't. Military spouse depression rates mirrored the national average and spiked even higher during the pandemic. The military spouse may have the capacity to struggle with feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks because they are typically so busy with taking care of the children, managing the household, and keeping a job that time for self-care isn't often part of the schedule.
What can you do to manage these feelings?
Thankfully, many resources are available to help you cope—from others who have been through what you are experiencing to tools that can help plan for any unknowns or unexpected events and online communities such as www.7cups.com. These resources can help you learn how to deal with uncertainty, build a strong support network, and adapt wherever necessary. Keep in mind that you are not alone. You have got this! 😊
Sources:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/smi.3155
@sweetOcean1415
Hello! Wow, this is such an interesting article that caught my attention. You got a way to attract a reader attention based on how you decide to start it off and explain to reader. Your article is just amazing from the start to the end.
If I could suggest a bit of improvement, I would love to see more of the content and more elaboration about it. The introduction is all good but i think keeping it sweet and simple would be a great way to write a short article.
All in all, you've done a great job writing this article and we're looking forward for your upcoming article. Keep going and keep writing! All the best!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Corona Pandemic affected our lives in most unexpected way and changed our ways of living. In some ways it brought us closer and in other, it created loneliness as well. But we need to look at the bright side of it, we got to spend more time with families due to isolation at home. We got time for ourselves as well.
Although we are learning to deal with this changed way of living, there are established ways to maintain feelings of being connected to others despite having to maintain social distancing. By organizing our activities every single day, we can become more resistant to the onset of feelings of loneliness. Here are few –
1.) Stay connected to your family and friends through online methods. Have virtual get together, play games, have a good talk.
2.) We always think if I have some free time, I will do this and that. Here is your chance, invest time on your hobbies which was in your bucket list since many years.
3.) Have a routine. Wake up on time, exercise, eat healthy, try to maintain balance between work and personal time, sleep properly etc.
4.) Pursue outdoor activities while following the guidance of social distancing.
5.) Keep checking on the physical, mental and emotional well beings of our loved-ones.
6.) Pay attention to psychiatric symptoms. Its very easy to have some mental issues so keep an eye on it and when required seek medical help. Don’t ignore it.
7.) Try to work on your creative side whether its learning to cook or decorating your house. In other words, find something to keep you busy and happy.
It’s a chance to be with yourself. Utilize this time.
If you still feeling lonely and need help. Visit 7Cups for free anonymous emotional support and counselling from trained mental health professionals.
@NotFound20
Strengths: it was very insightful, optimistic and pleasant to read this article since it was concise, the tone was assertive and way formal, consisting of 314 words. I like the approach of keeping a busy, productive lifestyle to get rid of loneliness. Some of the actions suggested were doable. I like how you promoted 7cups here as well.
Constructive Feedback: It didn't feel empathetic and validating the reader’s feelings. In the second point where you talked about the bucket list and also other points here
Sometimes it felt a little like you were giving advice due to the tone of your writing, which we want to avoid as we do not know a person's full situation/ wishes such as a world tour on their bucket list or visiting a certain place etc. By using phrases such as 'one idea is to..' or 'some people may find ___ helps....' we prevent it from sounding like advice! It would be great if you verified it through some reliable sources such as https://www.plagiarismchecker.co/
https://www.grammarly.com/m/desktop-only
Since it showed 6% plagiarism and some grammar mistakes
@NotFound20
Hello! I'm impressed with your article, it's really well written and organized. It is a great article to be set an example when it comes to writing and organizing articles. I can sense professionalism in your article.
If i could suggest some rooms for improvement, maybe you could use more supportive tone to connect more with your audience and readers. I love how straight forwards your contents are but i think it's not a readable article for someone who's currently going through a hard time. And it looks like you're not mentioning the resources that you used to write your article.
I think you have made a great start with this article and we're looking forward with your upcoming article and improvements. Keep going and Keep writing! All the best!
Thank you all for your feedback. Seeing all the feedback I realised I am maybe not a good content writer nor I have any empathic tone so I have decided to not pursue this course anymore as I don't have the required talent.
Thank you all and sorry for the inconvenience.