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6) Ensuring Best Writing Practices

SoulfullyAButterfly January 31st, 2021

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:

  • 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.

  • Think of story ideas that will be sharable in social media

  • Be concise

  • Be conversational and accessible in your writing

  • Back up statements with research or facts if applicable (cite sources) - try to confirm facts by ensuring at least 2 different sources mentioning them.

  • 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

  • Be thorough, don’t gloss over specifics

  • Give the reader empathy and hope

  • Put yourself in the reader’s shoes: ask yourself what they need out of reading your piece and then deliver that

  • Try to combine personal experiences with expert insight to strengthen your piece.

  • 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:

  • Always try to hyperlink some of your main sources.

  • 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)

  • Use Google Scholar to search for relevant research work. Abstracts usually summarize research findings.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • The overuse of cliches or corny language

  • Making it overly formal or using references most wouldn’t understand

  • 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

  • Forgetting to explain the “why”

  • Repeating the same word or phrase often (unless intentional, i.e. in an article about a mantra you might repeat the mantra several times)

  • 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

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CaringBrit February 20th, 2021

Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tips of ways to deal with loneliness during covid

So pandemic hits were in a lockdown you may live alone which can be very lonely leading into loneliness being in the same 4 walls alone 24/7. You wonder how am I going to cope with feeling lonely separated from friends, family members, coworkers and so on. Well, look no further here's my list of tips to you on how to cope with loneliness during the pandemic.

1.Find a hobby you enjoy multiple self hobbies: examples knitting, cross-stitch, art in general, movies, gaming, journaling list is endless check out this resources HERE. Although this resource says coping strategies there are some workable tips on what you can do whilst at home.

2.Volunteer online example 7cups maybe theirs a place that just needs your home phone.

3.Stay in virtual contact, their things like Facebook, skype, discord, zoom whatever your preference to stay in touch with your family, friends etc. another source used for this and following tips HERE

4.Structure out your day and try to keep some sort of schedule, routine to keep you focused.

5. Self-care so take care of yourself plan this in your schedule whether you treat yourself with some online shopping on amazon or you use a bath bomb and relax. It really is up to you on this one self preferences.

6.Lastly reach out for help. if deeply struggling please reach out theirs so many support services out there that can help including your doctor.

Hope you find all these tips helpful.

azureOwl6812 February 20th, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic:

How to feel connected to others and yourself during a pandemic:

Being in a pandemic with all the fear and anxiety is hard enough, leave alone being distanced physically from our friends and social network. Feeling alone as well as lonely is a common and quite normal thing to feel during these times. We need to make sure that we adapt healthy coping methods when we feel lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, we could try to pick up a hobby or two and do it every day. Another good way to cope would be to be in touch with our loved ones through social media, phone calls, or video chats. Although online communication may not feel the same as when you actually meet in person, you won’t feel as lonely.

https://unsplash.com/photos/vXymirxr5ac

Source : http://www.who.int

electricWhisper3694 February 21st, 2021

Coping with loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic


Unfortunately, the covid-19 pandemic has affected all of our relationships with people that we don't live with. There is only so much that services such as FaceTime and Zoom can replace. Face-to-face contact is scarce. These days where we are losing all motivation, the motivation to talk to people digitally also deteriorates. Unfortunately, many people find themselves drifting away from their loved ones. In the UK alone 24% of adults had feelings of loneliness.

On the surface loneliness doesn't seem like a tragic problem however humans are social beings, and after so long alone we tent so suffer physically as well as emotionally with some studies suggesting that loneliness is as bad as a long term disease. It is also estimated that adults that feel lonely are 50% more likely to die early


https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/12/loneliness-as-bad-for-health-as-long-term-illness-says-gps-chief
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/loneliness-during-coronavirus

1 reply
February 22nd, 2021

@electricWhisper3694 Addition of stats can help the article. So, thanks for providing. Also, a smooth conclusion could make the article seem complete.

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February 22nd, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with Loneliness during the lockdown.

Humans are social animals. We are meant to go out and interact with others. It forms a very important part of our survival. But at the same time, things like pandemics can become a threat to the very survival and we may need to let go of things that we enjoy outside. With time, staying inside can become monotonous and we may start to feel lonely too. But there are ways to cope with this and feel jovial again. Even simple things can help us fill our hearts with joy at times. Simple things that we often postpone. Now that we have all the time, let's give these things a try. It could be your hobbies like baking, gardening, etc. or things you read in a self-help book that you have been wanting to try like waking up early, meditation, etc. (Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/enjoy-the-little-things). Being at home doesn't mean we have to feel lonely. We can still connect with someone we haven't connected with in a long time, 'ourselves'. I hope we all see pandemic as an opportunity to really give ourselves the self-care we deserve.

Thank you

QuietLotus March 3rd, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping With Loneliness During the Covid-19 Pandemic – An Introduction

According to the US Census Bureau, 28.4% of people are living alone. Due to this fact as well as the strict social distancing measures during the COVID 19 pandemic it makes it hardly surprising that many suffer from loneliness or a sense of social isolation. Being lonely is a deeply unpleasant and unhappy experience. What may come as a surprise is that social isolation is as much a risk factor for ill-health as high blood pressure, being overweight, smoking, and lack of exercise. The message here is that our mental health matters as much as our physical health. It is important to develop the coping skills necessary to maintain good mental health. Some of the things one can do include: maintain social networks and stay connected with others (visit www.7cups.com for someone to talk to 24/7!), practice good self-care (eg. regular exercise and a healthy diet), and finally get information about COVID 19 from reliable sources such as the World Health Organisation.

1 reply
shoag March 8th, 2021

@QuietLotus

Your response is very informative and provides several helpful links to other websites. However, to make it more relatable and empathetic you should consider using more comfort words.

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RationalMe7 March 8th, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Stay connected and together during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic caught all of us by surprise. The consequences of it were felt far and wide, across the globe.

Let's first come to terms that it's going to stay around for a while and we need to get used to this change. Here are some tips:

1.Practise solitude. Lonliness can be harmful but solitude is not. It's a great time to re-assess and understand yourself. For more information, you can read this article.

2. Try using technology to interact. Now, it has become possible to meet virtually and talk with the help of smartphones. This can help a lot.

3. Learning a new language or skill. This tip helps you to spend time wisely and avoid feeling lonely.

shoag March 8th, 2021

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.

Staying connected

Being separated from our loved ones especially during lockdowns, can really take a toll on our mental wellbeing. Sometimes we may feel disconnected or isolated from the world and people around us. As hard as that may be, we must remember that we are not alone. There are many different things we can do to reconnect with what was once our world. For starters, technology has made it very easy to connect with people online, through phone and video calls. Errands can also be run through online shops that can safely deliver to your doorstep, whether it’s a supermarket or a clothing store, there are safe options to be able to run your errands safely and is reassuring you that you aren’t completely cut off from the outside world. For more ways you can stay connected, head over to this link with 10 ways to stay connected during covid-19 or this forum, on 7 cups.

lyricalAngel70 March 8th, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

"Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 Pandemic has changed our lives entirely during lockdown both in a positive & negative way. Research has shown that social isolation & loneliness are the leading causes of poor mental & physical health. Using the lockdown period in a productive way might be difficult but the good news is that it is achievable. In order to avoid feeling lonely, one could follow the healthy mechanisms for instance - Journaling, Calligraphy, Writing Poetries, Reading Novel; Magazine; Health Guides on 7 Cups' https://www.7cups.com/supportGuides/selfHelpGuides.php, Volunteering, etc. I would highly recommend checking out the article for more details that can be found on - http://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus-4799661

If used appropriately, the internet can be proven to be a boon by being beneficial in many ways. It is easier to give away hopes & feel depressed due to the #pandemic but the sun always shines no matter how dark the night was.

2 replies
sunlightspirit March 15th, 2021

@lyricalAngel70

Positive: I love the use of 7cups links and suggested ways to combat loneliness. the article is clear and consise.

Areas of improvement: The only thing I see is that the word "boon" means "to benefit" so you might consider restructuring the sentence " the internet can be proven to be a boon by being beneficial in many ways." by cutting out "by being beneficial" or say "...proven to be beneficial in many ways"

Nice work!

1 reply
lyricalAngel70 March 15th, 2021

@sunlightspirit

Thanks a lot for your detailed insight into my work. I will keep the area of improvement in mind for writing the article next time.

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KristinHelps March 9th, 2021

@SoulfullyAButterfly

The unexpected, devastating pandemic has taken a toll around the world, but specifically in the United States, unemployment has increased rapidly. Not only have millions of people lost their jobs or careers, but have also come across psychological distress. Financial strain and loneliness have deprived social connections. In this article, the COVID-19 Pandemic assists the risk factors of financial strain and loneliness due to unemployment. This is considered a risk for all ages facing struggles with mental health. As the pandemic is worldwide, the concerns of mental health, physical health, and overall general well-being has increased significantly. COVID-19 enforces mandates and rules that prevent normal social interaction and has impacted many businesses who may have closed completely or work remotely, hence causing a decreasingly low social interaction.

Article Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7579061/

1 reply
MizuKagami April 29th, 2021

@KristinHelps

Generally speaking, this is an informative short text that discusses the harsh reality of living in the covid-19 pandemic. It's just a little bit ambiguos what your focus was - the lack of social interaction, or the financial struggles.

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AnisiaCocanMA March 15th, 2021

Unfortunately the world situation has reached us all in a way or another , but the most common suffering is about losing social contact. This brings along anxiety, sadness , loneliness and many other challenges for us. One of the things that can improve our emotional state is a resource we all have and we can reach it by looking inside.

I found this article that shows a different view regarding how to cope with the significant changes through mindfulness. It explains very nicely how important is to implement self awareness in our daily routine and with short examples how it can be done.

1 reply
optimisticDay8079 March 29th, 2021

@AnisiaCocanTherapist I appreciated the article which seems to be a great one! However i would've liked you to have gone more in depth on what tips you find helpful to combat loneliness

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