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
Advantages and disadvantages of having Chronic Illness in coping with loneliness during the pandemic
In many ways Covid-19 has been harder on people who already had chronic health conditions than the general population but in some ways it has been easier, as those with chronic conditions had a head start over most people in finding ways for themselves to deal with isolation and changes in one’s way of life that the pandemic has forced nearly everyone to deal with in one way or another. Increased stress levels and daily routines being thrown for a loop during the pandemic have made mental health awareness and self care more important than ever. Looking at examples of how chronic illness patients have dealt with the roller coaster ride of symptoms common in many chronic conditions can be a good starting point for finding ways to adapt to the “new normal” of the pandemic era. Instead of giving up on routines all together, it's important to stick as closely as possible to routines that work for you while adding flexible options into it. Several good points were made by Ash Fisher in an article she wrote for Healthline called “7 Ways I Adjusted to Chronic Illness and Got On with My Life” in which she describes actions one can take and questions one can ask themselves in the process such as “What could help you get up every day? What small act or ritual will help you feel more human?” Look at your routine you had before life had to drastically change and think about what alternative ways you could fulfil the needs the things in your old routine fulfilled. An example important to the topic of loneliness is staying connected to social groups. If church plays a major role in your life, look into what ways your church is using tools such as Zoom to stay connected. If you participated in support or recovery groups such as AA or DBSA look online for virtual meetings with these organizations and what possibilities they are looking at to transition safely back into in person support in the near future. Group and 1:1 connections via text based chat are available on 7cups.com. Other online communities and platforms such as MeetUp and EventBrite have shifted their focus from in-person gatherings to online opportunities with a large variety of topics including meetings hosted by organizations such as NAMI chapters, as well as exercise classes, virtual museum visits, game nights, dance parties and many, many, more.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/adjusting-to-chronic-illness#4.-I-connected-with-my-community
https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/options-for-meeting-online
https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups
Connecting with real humans…virtually
Early in the pandemic, I was unemployed, suffering from social isolation, and my mental health was declining. Thankfully, a friend told me about 7 Cups, a free service that pairs people who want to talk with trained listeners who provide support. I volunteered mostly for the opportunity to connect with other people. I loved talking with people from all over the world about a variety of things. But soon the conversations increasingly began with “I feel lonely” or “I feel so alone.” I spent a lot of time brainstorming with people about how they could meet their need for connection. The only realistic options were online. Fortunately, organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness stepped into the gap, publishing useful, creative ideas for staying connected in a distanced and disconnected world. A Zoom call may never feel as good as a hug. But they helped many of us survive, even thrive during difficult times.
Note: The highlighted words are popular keywords for "loneliness" as identified by wordstream.com.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Are we okay?
When days are dark, friends are few… But what happens when we’re all in darkness? During these dark times, no one has the luxury of asking anyone if they are okay. This pandemic is mentally, physically, and spiritually draining for everyone. What we need to realize is that we’re not okay, together. We need to find comfort that we all hope that everyone else is okay and rely on faith for a better tomorrow. We need to accept that it's okay not to be okay and that brings us closer together. WE ARE NOT ALONE.
Inspiration source: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07481187.2020.1772410
@SoulfullyAButterfly
The Impact of the Pandemic
For those of us struggling with mental disorders, the pandemic’s impact can be felt on a much deeper level. With this overwhelming sense of chaos and increased isolation, it’s difficult to adapt to this new situation. It’s easy to be consumed by the dire news of loss due to COVID-19, but also the wave of change it brought with it such as hate, violence, and pseudoscience. In these difficult times, the need to lean on others for support and create a community of empathy is made obvious. It’s hard to create a routine of self-care but we can slowly take small steps towards taking care of ourselves first.
(Here is the source I pulled from: https://www.psycom.net/mental-health-social-media-covid)
@sereneMango3007
Hi Mango :)
Positives:
I really love how you wrote this, It's so cool how you included the other impacts that COVID can have on people, other than the more obvious ones, and talking about hate, violence and pseudoscience really took a new angle at the question.
It was also so cool how you gave ideas for combatting loneliness due to covid - speaking about empathy and self care, and the way you talked about creating a supportive community was really empathetic and also links well to 7 Cups :)
Ideas for improvement:
Just a really small thing, but maybe you could link in a few resources? For example and article about the hate and violence caused by COVID, or a self help thread that is relevant :)
Overall this was super amazing though and I love the way you wrote it
@SoulfullyAButterfly
People are getting back into the habit of reading during this pandemic: here’s why you should too
Dealing with loneliness during this long, long period of self-isolation has led to people using different strategies as coping mechanisms. A survey conducted in the UK revealed that people have spent almost double the amount they normally do on reading books since the COVID-19 lockdown began, especially with genres like crime and thrillers.
All around us is uncertainty – with travel plans cancelled, families separated, we aren’t sure when things will get better. One thing is for sure, though: books are a constant, something that you can turn to if you want to escape reality for even a bit, something that gives you the same feeling as travelling and adventure without the numerous risks that come with it. Crime and thrillers, specifically, also represent the values that we think we might have lost in these troubling times: the triumph of good over evil, the solving of a mystery that seems unhopeful at best. This surge in readership does not, therefore, come as a surprise.
Renowned crime fiction writers – like Louise Doughty and Peter May – have commented on the same in an article published in The Guardian, saying that people returning to reading in search of the familiar to cope in this unfamiliar environment is a universal experience in this pandemic.
So, huddle up with your favourite book and get to reading – maybe your next adventure is waiting there.
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/may/15/research-reading-books-surged-lockdown-thrillers-crime
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
An introduction to Loneliness during COVID-19
COVID-19 has affected almost everyone’s lives, and for many among us, having to stick to strict self-isolation and quarantine rules for extended amounts of time has been difficult. Many people have been left feeling lonely, and without their usual support systems reachable, the prevalence of mental health conditions has rapidly increased.
Without being able to meet up with friends and family, or visit social places, it can make your world feel very small and alone, which is never nice to experience, particularly if you feel refined to your own home. It is natural, and okay to be struggling with this isolation – change is difficult, and having these negative feelings about not being able to do the things you enjoy is normal.
Whilst this period of isolation will not last forever, in the meantime it can be hard to feel estranged from your surroundings. In this article, we will talk through some of the main causes of loneliness, as well as some of the options you have to help combat this, and the personal stories of people who have themselves experienced loneliness during lockdown. However, different things work for different people, and it may take time for you to start feeling less lonely.
Here is a link to some ideas to get you started with tackling your loneliness, Coping with loneliness during COVID-19 - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
These ideas will be further explored below, with ideas as to how you can use them to help with your daily life.
COVID-19 has impacted so many lives, and loneliness is becoming a big issue for many people. Here on 7-Cups, we hope you find a supportive and welcoming community – you can reach out to a listener here: https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners
or find a self-help guide to get you started here: Self Help Guides | 7 Cups
(Source used: Coping with loneliness during COVID-19 - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
@Izzy274
I like how you included different resources for people to inform themselves about loneliness. You also embeded 7 Cups very well into your text! :)
@Icecream2Day
Thank you :))
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Activities against loneliness in Covid times
The year 2020 hasn‘t been easy for people around the globe due to worldwide lockdowns and restrictions in meeting other people. A lot of people experienced loneliness, especially young people or people who stay alone. Since the world still isn‘t out of the pandemic yet here are some ideas from Mental Health Foundation on how to cope with loneliness:
- stay in contact with your loved ones
- discover new hobbies
- try to continue old hobbies online
- exercise.
Through keeping ourselves busy we can prevent to feel too lonely, which in the end can help us to avoid mental issues such as depression or anxiety as well as stress.
(Note: In an article I would describe all the activities to cope with loneliness a little more, I just thought it would be too much for now)
@Icecream2Day
I like your well thought of and well constructed paragraph , including some great pointers for activities that could help one in dealing with loneliness . Also your paragraph highlights the essence of the article nicely. Good job .
An area of improvement would be perhaps some more sources / citations.
Coping with loneliness during the pandemic
Self care practices amidst a pandemic
The pandemic has hit us all pretty hard and the effects are devastating to say the least. It is natural to feel lonely and isolated during this time but for a prolonged period of time these affect our health and impact our overall lifestyle negatively . It is all the more needed to indulge in self care and keep a safety kit ready for times when it becomes hard to cope. For what it's worth, we are all together in this , while some thing may work for one it might not work for another and that's okay, we have all the time to be patient with ourselves and figure out what works for us the best.
“Self-care is the necessity to do things that are good for our physical, emotional or psychological well-being” . It helps us feel enriched and nourished . Self care could be anything from painting your nails , journaling , traveling to your favorite spot to setting boundaries with someone who doesn't align well with your emotional health , putting off tasks till you're feeling ready for them and possibly anything that is capable of making you feel lighter and better emotionally , mentally or physically.
We will be further discussing some self care practices and how can we incorporate them to help us alleviate our loneliness and aid us in better managing our emotions amidst the pandemic .
https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Taking-Care-of-Yourself
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
I love the warmth you showed through the writing, Sun. Also there's a right amount of link/ references. Overall, it was an enoyable read! I'm glad that you could break that block !
Aww thankyouuu @kindLemonade , after the block hearing your appreciation just made my day , thanks so much , I am glad it was an enjoyable read for you .😊❤
@AriadneLove 😮❤
“Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic”
Unexpected benefits of solitude
Social distancing during COVID-19 Pandemic is an essential safety measure to contain the virus and to keep us away from danger. However, it can inevitably lead to an increase in feelings of loneliness which is a critical public health concern. One way to cope with such a challenge is to look at it from an optimistic angle and to consider being alone as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.
Painful feelings of loneliness might actually be a result of not having attachment securities (believing one can trust others and expecting that they will be available and responsive when needed). Thus, although time alone due to covid can be anxiety provoking, it still is able to force us to confront our fears which allows meaningful internal dialogues, self-discovery and healing.
In the past, countless social movements and practices were instigated by solitary experiences. We can refer to famous tales of spiritual leaders like Buddha, Mohammed or Jesus who reached enlightenment after periods of solitude. Therefore, it is fair to say that being alone might provide freedom from status quo or social constraints and remove distractions in order for us to truly connect with who we are and what our core values are.
To begin our journey with solitary reflection, we can start with simple activities like journaling, walking & pondering, practice mindfulness or meditation. To keep ourselves accountable and motivated, we can reach out to a listener to share what we learnt or could also join sub-communities on 7cups to find like-minded people who are on the self-exploration path like us: https://www.7cups.com/15624242.If what written above is not for you, there are more ways to cope with loneliness in this free 7cups self-help: https://www.7cups.com/how-to-deal-with-loneliness/
@kindLemonade
A beautiful point of view, and the paragraph has an engaging narration. I enjoy reading it a lot. Thank you for writing this Lemo!
@kindLemonade
Lem, the way you have added links to the basic as well as the important things are actually something which is really good. I also enjoyed reading it! Great job yet again! Yayayayyyyyyy!
@Star996
@Star996
Thank you for your constant support
@kindLemonade
Looks like my notifications aren't working properly 😓
Glad I am here for you!
@kindLemonade
Strengths:
1) Concise
2) Engaging narration
3) Calming
I honestly can't find any areas to improve.
@azuladragon34
Thank you Azul 😊😍
“Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19
Pandemic”
Feeling lonely is one of the feelings that millions feel during the COVID19 pandemic, as we have had to limit visiting family, friends or familiar faces as an effort from our joint efforts to maintain our safety and save lives and thus this will affect our mental health from problems of depression and stress, sadness is the basis of loneliness and denial is not the solution Feelings of loneliness during the pandemic must be accepted and find alternative ways to connect with others and adapt.
Although we do not have the ability to control feelings of sadness, we can control our thoughts related to sadness and make them motivate us to adapt instead of feeling regret for the situation in which we find ourselves, so we must deal in a healthy way with feelings of loneliness (the idea is to accept our feelings because they are natural and because they are Then we take action that can help us overcome loneliness).
@kindLemonade
Wow, really enjoyed your take on the topic and the spark of positivity upfront. :)
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Mental and Physcial Effects of Social Isolation
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted our daily lives, from Zoom calls to social distancing in supermarkets. With this type of social isolation, it brings along feelings of loneliness. Studies have shown that continued isolation can effect a person's overall health. According to the NCBI, "Loneliness is associated with various physical and mental repercussions, including elevated systolic blood pressure and increased risk for heart disease. " (ncbi.gov) Loneliness is also linked to depressive symptoms and increases levels of cortisol in the body. However, by recognizing these symptoms, and understanding that we are not alone in feeling this way, we can overcome these challenges.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7306546/
@sophiasanae
Well written! I love how you included facts while focusing on the individuals side-effects at the same time.
When it comes to highlighting areas of improvement, I noticed that your paragraph mostly highlighted the physical effects. Since the title is "mental and physical effects of social isolation", the paragraph could be better adapted to suit the title by emphasising on mental health effects as well.
Good luck on the rest of the course!
@sophiasanae
I like how you made the paragraph relatable to everyone by providing examples. Fact usage is amazing and the content is of good quality. I would suggest adding the conversation with a reader, to make them more engaged. For example, after 'Studies have shown that continued isolation can affect a person's overall health.' you can build it up with your own reflection on the matter and then share the next more in-depth scientific fact. Incorporating our own voice in articles is very important to keep readers loyal and interested, it is easier for them to process all scientific facts if they also feel the personal ouch of the author.
I wish you joy and inspiration with your article💜
@sophiasanae
I absolutely loved how you provided facts, and how you linked and mentioned depression here as well! One point of improvement in my opinion would be to provide more ways of dealing with the situation in practical terms as well as focusing on the power of the issue being worldwide. 💚