6) Ensuring Best Writing Practices
After understanding the general requirements to keep in mind whilst submitting your content articles for 7 Cups publication, this discussion highlights some general writing tips to keep in mind when writing content that relates to mental health.
Things to Do:
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Make sure the article is empathetic, kind, helpful & informative (it fulfills the reader who found it), empowering. Replace mental “illness” or “disease” with “condition” or “issue” and soften any other mental health stigma language that might pop up. This helps ensure that your tone is supportive.
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Think of story ideas that will be sharable in social media
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Be concise
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Be conversational and accessible in your writing
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Back up statements with research or facts if applicable (cite sources) - try to confirm facts by ensuring at least 2 different sources mentioning them.
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Include expert quotes and insights -- you can reach out to a psychologist or expert about your story and offer a quote and link to their practice for the collaboration. Make sure their title/expertise is attributed in the article
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Be thorough, don’t gloss over specifics
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Give the reader empathy and hope
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Put yourself in the reader’s shoes: ask yourself what they need out of reading your piece and then deliver that
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Try to combine personal experiences with expert insight to strengthen your piece.
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Consider including friends and family members of people impacted by your topic in your audience.
For more tips on reporting mental health conditions and choosing words carefully, read the American Psychiatric Association’s article here
Other Tips:
The following are general guidelines to help find facts, help link things with 7 Cups as well as outreaching tips for personal stories and expert insight:
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Always try to hyperlink some of your main sources.
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Use authentic reporting websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization, or American Psychological Association, etc. for facts and up-to-date statistics. (Can be hyperlinked as mentioned above)
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Use Google Scholar to search for relevant research work. Abstracts usually summarize research findings.
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When outlining your article, consider asking yourself which information and what type of information can be added as a priority. For example, an article about mental health during the pandemic would likely report authentic global statistics and could use published research information.
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When reviewing other resources that cover your topic or something close to it, always ask yourself what can help enhance that available content. How can you ensure you are providing a unique take on the topic? Consider thinking about what is missing that could be worth mentioning.
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7 Cups has lots of free services, including available self-help guides, subcommunities with forums, and other areas - generally, editorial assistants at 7 Cups help backlink to these resources, but you are welcome to directly mention them if it applies, for instance, mentioning how Sharing Circles can help users cope with loneliness or the lack of support in their daily lives.
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Outreaching for both personal or expert quotes can be done via social media, contact forms of blog posts, or even email considering which information is available. You are welcome to PM @SoulfullyAButterfly if you think a 7 Cups Expert can help provide you the quote or required insight.
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When outreaching for personal stories, introduce yourself and 7 Cups and explain your article topic briefly, and why you think their personal experience could help. Share how you can back-link (link back) to the person’s blog or other resources if they would like that in return for sharing their quote. Ensure that you ask them if they would like their name to be disclosed, or if they would like a pseudonym. Finally, let them know you will share the final published version so they can also share it with their acquaintances.
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When requiring an expert quote, use the same procedure discussed, but consider asking for the expert’s availability. Mention how the expert’s work can aid your write-up and any questions you have. Ask for the expert’s professional practice page link and if they are interested, mention how they can have a published expert profile at 7 Cups (you can CC ayesha@7cups.com if needed).
Things To Avoid:
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The overuse of cliches or corny language
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Making it overly formal or using references most wouldn’t understand
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Using extraneous words/phrases. For example, you don’t have to write, “it’s important to…” If you’re writing it, the reader will assume it’s important. Unless, of course, it really is a surprise that this piece of advice is important - in which case say that
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Forgetting to explain the “why”
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Repeating the same word or phrase often (unless intentional, i.e. in an article about a mantra you might repeat the mantra several times)
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Overusing exclamation points
Activity
Using the information you just learned, write a paragraph (minimum of 100 words) for the article topic “Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic” - as this is only a paragraph and NOT the complete article, state a brief heading which will inform the reader whether your paragraph is about a general introduction or something more specific. Ensure your paragraph contains facts. Please note that you are to mention your sources too, as well as a link to at least one source within the paragraph.
Bonus: Consider using previous discussions to research and use keywords.
Additionally, reply to at least one other student and highlight the strengths of their work as well as areas for improvement.
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This post is brought to you by the Content Development and Marketing Program, find out more information about the program here
@SoulfullyAButterfly
The Psychological Impact of Loneliness During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased feelings of loneliness worldwide. According to a study by Loades et al. (2020), young people aged 16 to 24 years experienced loneliness more often and more intensely during the pandemic. This age group reported feeling lonely often or always 44% of the time compared to 16% before the pandemic. The prolonged periods of isolation and lack of social interaction have led to an increase in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It's crucial to understand that these feelings are a normal response to the abnormal situation we find ourselves in. Remember, it's okay to seek help and reach out to others, even if it's virtually.
References
: Loades, M.E., Chatburn, E., Higson-Sweeney, N. et al. (2020). Rapid Systematic Review: The Impact of Social Isolation and Loneliness on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents in the Context of COVID-19. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. [Link](https://www.jaacap.org/article/S0890-8567(20)30337-3/fulltext)
: Mental Health Foundation. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic, financial inequality and mental health. [Link](https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/coronavirus-mental-health-pandemic/covid-19-inequality-briefing)
@ThoughtsBubbleExpress you can use the APA style for in text citations with some external linking where appropriate. We do not publish the biography citations, but you can make notes of them for your own reference as well as editorial needs.
@SoulfullyAButterfly I understand now, thank you for the explanation 😊
Affects of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Isolation on Childhood Development
Covid 19 was a time of fear and isolation for everyone, especially children. I am happy to say that as of now the pandemic is over, but it seemed like it would never end. The pandemic had a great lasting affect on all of us, but how did it effect children more? According to an article published in 2023 by the National Library of Medicine, children under the age of 2 need more face-to-face contact for their development. The pandemic deprived them of that. Later in the article it was mentioned that fine motor skills such as handwriting, and coordination decreased, as well as physical activity. Not only did this effect the physical development of these children, but it also caused a decline in mental health. The Children's Hospital of Colorado says that physical exercise is essential to the development of a children's brain, often time decreasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. As the children born in the pandemic get ready to go to school for the first time, we do have to wonder, what lasting affect will this have? What kind of issues will the children who never stepped foot into school until 3rd grade have when they become adults? Who knows? Only time will tell.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10242215/
@Bunnylovesyou I love that you focused on children, as it is an important situation to consider as well. And I really liked reading your text due to the flow of your text.
@brightDayFairy
awww thanks! I was celebrating my 12th birthday when covid hit so I felt more connected to the child aspect ❤️
@SoulfullyAButterfly
6) Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Heading: Impact of Loneliness During COVID-19 and How You Can Overcome It
COVID-19 has presented us with new challenges, especially when considering the aspect of loneliness and its negative impact on our well-being. It is now more important than ever to find solutions to address this issue. The following steps are intended to motivate you and help you deal with it in a healthy way:
- Humor: Watch funny shows or movies to lighten your mood; a good laugh with friends over a video call can also make a big difference in how you feel.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, whether it's a home workout, yoga, or a walk in nature, can significantly improve your mental health and reduce feelings of loneliness.
- Sharing Feelings: What can help against loneliness? Expressing it and counteracting it. On 7 Cups, you have the opportunity to share your feelings with an active listener.
- Seeking Help: Lastly, please seek help if you feel like you can't deal with loneliness on your own. You might consider contacting us at 7 Cups, where we offer group chats, chats with trained listeners, as well as therapists who can assist you with the situation.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8138818/
@brightDayFairy
I really loved the motivating side of this piece along with the tips :) great one!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
"Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic"
Feeling Disconnected? You're Not Alone
Social distancing measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic have been essential for curbing the spread of the virus, but they've also had a significant impact on mental health. Loneliness, a common human condition characterized by feelings of isolation and a lack of social connection, has increased dramatically during this time. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that over 3 in 10 adults in the United States reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic, with loneliness being a contributing factor [1]. While feeling lonely can be a discouraging experience, it's important to remember that you're not alone in this. Many people are struggling with similar feelings, and there are steps you can take to build connection and combat loneliness during this challenging time.
Source:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 26). Percentage of Adults Who Reported Experiencing Symptoms of Anxiety or Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/85738
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Loneliness in Lockdown: how do we cope!
Covid-19 pandemic has very unexpectedly changed all of our lives. From gathering with friends, family, and colleagues in real life, our “real life” shifted to a virtual one. Physical isolation became a necessity and we seem to have slowly lost our connectedness. According to this article, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that mental health issues are rising with the pandemic. We have to address this issue and take care of our mental well-being in such a crucial situation. To cope with loneliness during this COVID era we should implement various self-care routines, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. It’s undeniable that we all need to seek support from time to time. But we don't know where to turn. I am here to tell you that 7cups.com is a platform where emotional support is offered by trained active volunteer listeners. Now you can reach out when you think about venting or need to talk.
@sky2Ocean20
STRENGHTS: You were empathetic, gave reader hope and you made it very concise and sharable in social media.
IMPROVEMENTS: I would suggest to consider friends and family members of people impacted and consider including personal experiences and expert quotes.
I love your paragraph!
Here is the spin I took on this project, I hope you all enjoy!
@InsightfulPhoenix
Hello, it's @FeureVox again; I've evaluated the social media graphic related to coping with loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some strengths and suggestions for improvement:
Strengths:
1. Like always, your message starts on a strong and empathetic note, acknowledging the difficulty of isolation, which can resonate well with the audience.
2. The actionable tips, such as staying connected with family and maintaining a support circle, provide practical value to your reader.
3. Vibrant colors and imagery are essential for capturing attention and engaging users on social media platforms.
4. Acknowledging pets as a source of comfort includes the various ways individuals find support and companionship.
Humble suggestions for Improvement:
1. The text over the busy background is difficult to read, especially with the varied font sizes and colors. Simplifying the background or using a text-shadow could enhance readability.
2. The graphic is quite text-heavy for a social media image, which might overwhelm viewers. Consider using less text or spreading the content across multiple posts.
3. There's a small typo in the word "in" repeated ("in in quarantine"). Proofreading is crucial to maintaining professionalism and credibility.
4. The URL is not clickable in an image format; it may be more user-friendly to direct viewers to a link in the post's caption or bio instead.
Thank you for this wonderful feedback, I will continue to keep what you are speaking of in mind for future works. Once again such an amazing tone while displaying feedback, thank you again!
@feurevox
@InsightfulPhoenix
you really have way with getting point across with words.
It seems like a social. Media post than. Article. Maybe the background is messing with me
It’s an article lol, it's the way that I laid it out that makes it look like a social media post I appreciate the feedback!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Here is my thoughts😊
You have an incredible amount of knowledge of what is being asked in regarding this exercise. You do have a way with words so it is engaging and rather passionate. Your read comes off resourceful
Now for e.a.t being used:
E: You held great verbiage and also induced interest in the audience.
A: You did hold a sense of authority in what you were speaking. You also held focus in mention some facts with a source that is eligible.
T: You gained a respectable amount of trust with the wonderous amount of veribage and tone used.
The adjustments:
When it comes to information and being direct you have that strength to the tee. However, your audience would automatically take note minor empathy. The information is outstanding but there should be some deeper points on how the pandemic could boost creativity within a person, new hobbies and digging deeper into support of those around them. Otherwise amazing job!
@InsightfulPhoenix Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. I will look into this in my next posts.
@FeureVox
The paragraph does a great job of getting to the point and starting with a clear heading that makes it easy to know what it's about. It offers helpful tips, like joining virtual meet-ups and using platforms like 7 Cups, which is efficient advice for anyone feeling lonely during the pandemic. Mentioning the World Health Organization (WHO) also adds some good authority to the discussion. A few tweaks could make it even better—like adding a hyperlink to the WHO mention so readers can easily check it out, and maybe throwing in a specific stat to give more context on how much loneliness has increased. Also, connecting the problem of loneliness with the solution of digital engagement could flow a bit more smoothly. But overall, it’s a solid paragraph that just needs a few small adjustments to shine.
@FeureVox
You have formulated the topic in a simple and wonderful way, and supported your article with sources. I also liked the image you added.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Importance of Addressing Loneliness During the COVID-19
Feeling lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic is prevalent across the world, since we are isolated from others and, most importantly, our friends. Research has shown that loneliness was widespread in Europe, America and China, around 10-40%, even before the COVID-19 (Leigh-Hunt, 2017; Xia and Li, 2018 cited in Hwang et al., 2020). There are proven chances of developing many health conditions if we don't manage loneliness and isolation, such as: a heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, addiction, dementia, earlier death and more (CDC, 2023). There is hope to fix this issue of the society today, so let's learn to help ourselves and those we love by learning how to cope with loneliness and isolation.
SOURCES:
- Leigh-Hunt, 2017; Xia and Li, 2018 cited in Hwang, T.-J., Rabheru, K., Peisah, C., Reichman, W. and Ikeda, M. (2020). Loneliness and Social Isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Psychogeriatrics, [online] 32(10), pp.1–15. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/s1041610220000988.
- CDC (2023). Health risks of social isolation and loneliness. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/loneliness.htm.
@lamimoon
Your paragraph contains a lot of relevant information. It is also short and concise.
As a suggestion, I’d say you can go a little deeper on the specifics.
@lamimoon your paragraph is short, to the point, well written and provides relevant sources. A tip would be to mention how we can start learning to cope with the loneliness.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
The COVID pandemic brought significant worldwide challenges and consequences. One of those outcomes was increased global loneliness. Loneliness constitutes a risk for premature mortality and mental and physical health, so it’s very important to keep it closely monitored. Lockdowns, physical distance, and switch to remote work and school all strongly contributed to increase in loneliness across the globe. Such measures undoubtedly increased social isolation, though social isolation does not always lead to loneliness. As a matter of fact, social isolation means having a small social network and few interactions with others, while loneliness is the painful feeling of having less or poorer quality social connections than a person wants.
Source: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2022/05/covid-19-increase-loneliness
