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 the Covid-19 Pandemic
A Story of Hope: Fighting Loneliness by Raising Self-Esteem
"I have never felt so alone in my life". Perhaps you have heard these words recently or even said them yourself. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic these words are being heard more frequently as people continue to remain isolated from friends, family and general gatherings. As loneliness sets in, our minds become filled with doubts and fears which then begins to diminish our self-esteem. Loving ourselves is an important beginning to help fight those lonely feelings. You might be asking, 'how do I build up my self-esteem without my friends and family?' According to Bernard S Arons, MD of SAMHSA, these activities that can help you feel good about yourself:
1. Make a list of— (and re-read them often)
--10 ways you can "treat" or reward yourself that don't include food and that don't cost anything, such as walking in the woods, window-shopping, watching children playing on a playground, gazing at a baby's face or at a beautiful flower, or chatting with a friend
--10 things you can do to make yourself laugh
--10 things that you do that make you feel good about yourself
2. Make a 'celebratory scrapbook' or fill a shoe box that celebrates you and the wonderful person you are (pictures, cards, personal items, mementos, etc.)
3. Get a calendar with large blank spaces for each day and schedule one thing that you enjoy doing each day such as "go into a flower shop and smell the flowers," "call my sister," "draw a sketch of my cat," "buy a new CD," "tell my daughter I love her," "bake brownies," "lie in the sun for 20 minutes,".
For the full length article on the Building Self-Esteem, please click this link. https://bit.ly/BSEB_ref
@sunlightspirit Great job! I think you covered this topic well and gave actionable goals on how to feel better and combat loneliness.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
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.
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Are You Starting to Develop Signs of Anxiety Conditions?
As some of us are having to leave our houses less and less, and sometimes can't to stay safe, many of us are feeling uncomfortable when we do have to leave our houses again and interact with other humans. This is incredibly tough. Some people are feeling more anxious because of the pandemic, but when does this become a concern? Signs of social anxiety disorder and agoraphobia are becoming more and more common among all of us, but having a few signs of a condition is different from having that condition. Let's review some of the common symptoms of both of these conditions together, and if you are concerned you may be experiencing symptoms, please speak with a doctor or mental health professional, you can speak with a therapist through our site here: https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/. You can also review our guides on Social Anxiety, Anxiety, & Panic Attacks for additional information and guidance.*
Sources:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (American Psychiatric Association)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987
*if I was writing the whole article I would continue to review the similarities and differences between these two conditions and go into further details about speaking with a therapist about these issues and what treatment looks like
@mvpeng I really liked this introduction as a segway into the rest of the article! It was interesting to read and definitely made me want to keep reading. Also, I liked that you cited the APA :) credible sources and facts are always a plus! Great job
@SoulfullyAButterfly
What is loneliness? Why do we feel lonely? How do we cope with the isolation or separation caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic?
"Loneliness is actually a state of mind." (Cherry, 2020) It is therefore understandable why we would feel lonely. Situations arise that causes us distress and we are unable to connect with someone who understands what we are going through.
The Covid-19 Pandemic separates and isolates us from each other. Our minds are in a state of worry and fear. "Meaningful connection appears to help aleviate symptoms of loneliness." ( Jacobs, 2021) We must pursue creative ways where we could be heard and understood in order to cope with lonelinee in these times.
Cherry, Kendra. Very Well Mind
Jacobs, Victoria. APA
I like the fact that you used APA citations. I liked that you used facts to make your paragraph authentic. It is true connection does alleviate symptoms of loneliness and you backed it up with scholarly resources.
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ways To Combat Loneliness in Covid Times
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has made it harder to be with our peers. Contact with the ones we love continues to be limited, and social and leisure activities are restricted, which can cause feelings of loneliness, especially if you have tested positive or need to self isolate at home.
It's natural to feel like this, and you should not blame yourself for feeling like you are struggling. I'ts also important to keep in mind that these changes won't last forever and before we know it, we'll be able to go back to normal again :)
However, while we're facing these hard times, the following tips may help:
1. Explore ways on how you can spend time with others: an online date with a significant one, hanging out while social distancing, etc
2. Check in with the ones you love regularly
3. Do more things you enjoy: develop a new hobbie, make new friends online, join a community that you love
4. Volunteer to help others
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coping-loneliness-during-coronavirus-outbreak/
I liked that you remembered to use a heading for your paragraph. I like the your points that you made by listing the tips and at the end you have where you got your source.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic
Feeling happier as a student during the covid times
Students have been hit by the pandemic in a terrible way, resulting in lower academic performance, more physical health issues due to longer screen time and sitting hours, and the mental health conditions that have resulted in them as a consequence. The loss of in-person classes, meeting their peers, and not attending school events and activities that added to their happiness index has taken a serious toll on them, as reported by various students across the globe. This has led to increased anxiety, loneliness, and depression among other things in this population.
To cope with it all, several measures can be adopted including, but not limited to, maintaining a routine as the lack of one has resulted in the loss of motivation and increased stress among individuals.
One can also reach out to the people they trust and talk to them about how they feel as well as practice active listening and empathy.
In case of the unavailability of someone to talk to, one can always hop on to online services such as 7cups.com that offer free mental health support and even paid counseling services for adults among other free self-help resources!
The source referred to for information in this mini-article is the Michigan University Department of Psychiatry. Please click on the hyperlink for the related helpful material.
@Clarisse29
Great idea to choose to focus on mental health of students and the loneliness they're currently experiencing. And effective use of links to resources! Perhaps it would help to provide more of an introduction, but this is meant to be a a short paragraph so good work!
@Clarisse29 I love the focus on students. It brings a new element of specificity to it. Thanks for sharing!
@Clarisse29
Well written. Professional but relateable. Theres a clear indication that you empathise with people in this situation. You offer support and practical points.
No tips needed.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Expert Suggestions for Keeping Calm and Carrying On
The covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we live, resulting in a domino effect on our mental health. In particular, loneliness, a major issue that affects our wellbeing, has been described as an “epidemic”. Former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy expressed his concern about this “social recession”which has increased significantly because of stay at home orders. For obvious reasons, many are using social media to keep in touch with their loved ones, maintain relationships, share experiences, and create awareness among other things. However, the research suggests that social media use can sometimes become dysfunctional as it is simply not the same as meeting someone in person. When the use of social media continues to be more frequent than pre-pandemic levels due to the ongoing pandemic, it can reinforce negative emotions and feelings of anxiety as reminder of how difficult our lives currently are.
However, there are some healthier ways to stay connected virtually, with a great example being 7 Cups, "the world's largest emotional support system"
@jovialButterfly6752
Wow, you ticked all the boxes there, Jovial ! This is going to be hard for me to find any areas of improvements...hmmm
I think your writing was concise.You also gave the reader empathy and hope. You sucessfully included expert insight to strengthen your piece and also managed to link the writing back to 7cups's link.
One thing I think you can mention is personal experience to give an even more personal touch.
Overal, this is a great writing for me to learn from
Rethinking how to deal with loneliness in this pandemic
With the pandemic not coming to an end anytime soon, coping with loneliness is becoming harder. People react to crises in very different ways. Some resort to a quick FaceTime with a friend or some try to find solace in a new hobby. But knowing how many of us are in the same boat, we can together contain the feeling of loneliness and battle this pandemic right out of the ground. The best way to go is to find the correct way, keeping in mind that what might be good for me, might be different for you and vice versa. How can you find the best way for yourself? Trying different things to see what works best, and always know that it's okay to seek for more support. Some activities include joining an online community, learning an instrument, sharing your feelings but not comparing, check-in with a friend, practice mindfulness.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coping-loneliness-during-coronavirus-outbreak/
@anotherfrenchtoastclub
I love the second-person POV, it makes it sound more empathetic. I really liked the beginning and how it emphasized others going through the same thing and how people cope differently. Something I'd suggest is changing the ending of the paragraph. To me, this paragraph sounded like a great introduction paragraph! The ending was listing off some coping strategies, but I think those could be transformed into body paragraphs. But overall, awesome writing!
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dealing with Isolation During the Pandemic
With the COVID-19 Pandemic socializing has become very hard.
Being isolated can make you feel down, and without coping methods you could have increase your risk of a mental condition. There are ways to cope, however. One of them is socializing with people you know, online. Talking with someone you know can really make you feel better, and even though we need to social distance, that doesn't mean we need to distance ourselves from socializing apart. Another way we can cope with isolation is using healthy distractions. Healthy distractions include doing a hobby that you love, or listening to your favorite song. Not all distractions are healthy though. Unhealthy things that could make things worse are doing things like self harm or using alcohol or drugs. Those things can become very addicting and can cause more problems for your mental health. Other things to avoid are social media and the news, both of which are very draining and can make you think more about your isolation. Whatever you do just make sure you know that how your feeling is important and you should get help if you're getting too stressed out. You DO matter!
Information for this came from this article:
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus-4799661
Which was written by Arlin Cuncic, in March 27, 2020
@Jacklynngirl656
Hey, Jacklynn!
Pros :-
1.) I love the info that you have given! This seems well-researched too!
2.) I love how you described healthy and unhealthy distractions. This can help people understand what's good for them too!
3.) I also love the last line 'You DO matter!' It gives a sense of encouragement.
Cons :-
1.) The grammar mistakes can be takem care of. It was a bit difficult to sense the vibe you were giving in some sentences.
That's all! Hi5 for being so awesome! ✋
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Covid-19 and the disruption of student life
When the pandemic struck we had to find new ways of functioning in all spheres of our lives. And whilst health was, and still is the biggest concern for many, we sometimes forget how this worldwide crisis affected our education systems.
This is especially true for foreign students studying abroad, or those who had plans to do so. It’s difficult enough not being able to visit family and friends, but now school curriculums and teaching methods are changing on a day-to-day basis.
If you’ve read this far, I hope you will do something good for your well-being today. And when you’re done with that, check up on your children. Remember – their futures are at stake.
Hello @MizuKagami
Beautifully put. As a student myself, I really appreciate the theme of your article. It is very well-written. I wish it were longer as I wanted to read more. Thanks for sharing the resource, it's a good read!
@MizuKagami
I absolutely loved it! Very well-written, and as a student, I have experienced all that has been mentioned in the post first hand. Would love to see this turned into a full-fledged article!
The one suggestion I would give is to maybe begin with a quote, it makes the starting few lines more impactful for the reader.
Hello @SoulfullyAButterfly
Write a paragraph for the article topic “Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic”
Loneliness and Boredom: A devastating combination
It so rarely happens that the entire world is in the same situation. On some level, it is humbling to know that we are not alone in this; we are all in the same boat. But then we realize that each one of us has a different boat (home), and we are confined within its parameters. This restriction on freedom can cause various emotions and turmoil. Thus, we need to keep our eye on the prize and take care of our physical, emotional, and mental health to the best of our abilities.
There is a fine line between 'being alone' and 'being lonely'. This line gets blurred when we get compelled to stay at our home for an extended, indefinite amount of time. Our routine is our equilibrium, keeping us stable, organized, and on the right track. For example, going to school/work, meeting with friends/coworkers/peers, and going out for the evening or dinner. A routine like this is the reason we do not get monotonous. And when this routine is disturbed suddenly, it becomes frightening.
Therefore, we need to be aware of some coping mechanisms so we do not have the devastating combination of being lonely and bored at our hands. These include staying in touch with friends, cultivating an indoor hobby, volunteering on online platforms, etc. Anything which provides a medium to interact with the real world virtually will do.
References: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus-4799661
Good use of the reference, but do keep in mind that the requirement is to write one paragraph!