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
"Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic"
How to break the cycle of Lonliness
A study ( https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0265900 ) on lonliness during the COVID - 19 depicted that social lonliness can lead to emotional lonliness as well especially during the COVID protocol phase where social distancing and no physical contact where needed.
Lonliness is a symptom and a predictor of depression and goes on in a cycle. Here's how you can break the cycle of lonliness :
1. Make connections : Making connections means to form real life relationships. Making friends on social media accounts doesn't mean having them stand by you. Real life connections are the ones that go a long way.
2. Adjust your lifestyle : Excercising regularly, having a good diet, enagaging in a minfulness activities can help in improving and shielding against both the mental health as well as physical health. These changes can be as little as limiting the caffeine intakes.
3. Get a pet : Many studies on keeping a pet says that, pet helps in lowering anxiety, stress and lonliness. Dogs are often said to be humans best friends. Having a pet can help in reducing the severity of the symptoms of loneliness. Animal therapy is more common in the recent times.
4. Seek help : There is always an option to seek a professional help. There are many platforms available online to help you get therapy from the comfort of your home. 7cups ( https://www.7cups.com/member/BecomeMember.php )is one such platform where you can find peer supports, listener, therapists and forum supports and so much more.
Last but not the least #prioritizeyourmentalhealth because #mentalhealthmatters !
@Happysouled I like these recommendations! Putting them in a list makes it easier to navigate the text. Well done!
Loneliness became a significant mental health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic as social distancing measures isolated individuals from their communities. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health issues, including feelings of loneliness, due to the pandemic's impact. Social isolation, compounded by the fear of infection and uncertainty about the future, led to increased anxiety and depression. To cope with this loneliness, experts suggest maintaining virtual connections and engaging in online communities like those offered by 7 Cups, which provide peer support and sharing circles to help individuals manage their feelings and find comfort during these trying times.
@Mellietronx this was a very good paragraph you covered lots of the possible keywords, brought it back to 7cups and made it compassionate, one thing i would work on is including 2 sources and sending a direct link to one of them
@Mellietronx I like your paragraph, it contains a lot of information without feeling overwhelming or overloaded. It also addresses the issue of loneliness but ends on a positive note of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel. One suggestion to improve it, would be to include a link to the CDC, specifically the report you referred to. Its a good read, thank you
Paragraph on Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Loneliness and Self-isolation was amongst the biggest mental health issues related to the global pandemic. Between Quarantine and social distancing daily social activities were limited to zoom, phone calls or social media. Due to the overuse of virtual connections digital fatigue was experienced by many. This loneliness epidemic led to a 25% increase of people experiencing depression and depressive symptoms in accordance to an article written by (who.int). With an increase in isolation and depression common coping skills may include: creative outlets including art and music, volunteering, meditation, positive thinking, journaling, and gratitude practice to name a few options. Other options include virtual connections with loved ones and friends and engaging in digital communities like 7cups. 7cups offers free peer support through anonymous non-judgmental listening, as well as the opportunity to meet others and create a more developed support system Psychology Today.
Works Cited
7 Tips for Handling Isolation During the Pandemic | Psychology Today
COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide (who.int)
@thatoneguyfriend1121 I like that you cite your source and give an accurate quantitative statistic, however, i think the heading should be improved and more specific
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Social isolation doesn't mean humans would feel lonely, research say
According to APA, loneliness is having poorer communication and relationship quality than one needs, while isolation means one has few connections. (APA,2020) has found a 5% increase in loneliness, but it depends on each individual; some feel less, and some feel more lonely. Online communication seems to be a helpful coping strategy, as it maintains a helpful and supportive network of relationships. In some cases where family stay home together, this is a healthy coping when they strengthen their prenatal and/or wife-husband bond.Some non-communication methods such as self-help books or self-care had found a positive impact on one's mental health. However, more research has to be conducted to understand the underlying issues, and seem like social isolation is just merely one of many factors that contribute to loneliness
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Loneliness and COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the course of the world. Beyond its impact on the global economy and politics, it has had a profound effect on public health, both mental and physical.
One of the psychological consequences of the global COVID-19 pandemic is loneliness and social isolation. Physical distancing and lockdowns have led to social isolation, loss of
income, feelings of loneliness, lethargy, and decreased social support.
Social media and engaging in hobbies have played a crucial role in helping people cope with feelings of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many individuals discovered or rediscovered their talents and hobbies which helped distract them and provided an outlet for their emotions, thoughts, and a sense of accomplishment. Professional help has also been an effective tool in overcoming loneliness, while exercise and meditation have been shown to reduce anxiety.
References :
Lancet Psychiatry 2020;7:8_24. How mental health care should change as a consequence of the COVI_19 pandemic.
I like that you included validation of feelings and helpful coping strategies, as well as a reference. As a tip, maybe add more details to the coping strategies, and include in-text citations or hyperlinks.
One Idea for Coping with Loneliness
Even though the pandemic forces us to be physically away from our loved ones or community members, there are still ways to connect with each other. For instance, you can start a virtual hobby with your friends, such as playing a multiplayer video game or hosting watch parties. You can also engage in physical hobbies while sending virtual updates to your community. If you do not know you to share such updates with, you can start with one of the forums on 7Cups!
If you cannot think of a suitable hobby, even getting on a call with a friend can be helpful.
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified feelings of loneliness, affecting mental health significantly. According to the Office for National Statistics, 7.2% of adults in Great Britain reported feeling lonely “often” or “always” between October 2020 and February 2021, up from 5.0% in the early months of the pandemic. Social distancing, while necessary, has led to increased isolation, contributing to depressive symptoms and anxiety. To cope, it’s crucial to recognize that loneliness is not just about being alone but also about how we perceive our isolation. Engaging in activities like journaling can help manage negative thoughts. Building virtual connections and practicing self-compassion are also vital. Addressing the critical inner voice that exacerbates loneliness can alleviate some of the emotional burden.
Speaking of connecting with others virtually, 7 Cups is a website where you can speak with compassionate listeners who are trained in active listening skills. Whether you're lonely and in need of someone to talk or going through a rough patch emotionally, our listeners are ready to offer you a shoulder to lean on.
@sweetnutella
Your use of statistics really highlights the issue, and I think your emphasis on the perception of loneliness is insightful. Including practical coping strategies like journaling and building virtual connections empowers readers to take action.
To improve, I think adding citations for the statistics would enhance credibility, along with a direct link to the Office for National Statistics. Expanding on the idea of the critical inner voice could also provide deeper insights.
The COVID-19 pandemic has markedly increased feelings of loneliness among individuals globally. Research indicates that approximately 30% of adults in the U.S. reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression during this period (CDC, 2021). Contributing factors include social isolation resulting from lockdowns and physical distancing measures, which underscore the importance of addressing mental health implications. A study published in Psychiatric Research reveals that strong social connections can alleviate feelings of loneliness and enhance overall well-being (Cacioppo & Cacioppo, 2020). Recognizing these dynamics is essential for developing effective coping strategies. For additional mental health resources, please visit the CDC's website.
@Mya000
Informative and you included the sources. Perhaps a bit more conversational language?
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
The impact on introverts:
It would be assumed that lockdowns would be paradise for introverts, allowing them to work from home, no social interactions expected, less anxiety, I could go on.
The fact of the matter is that this cohort have been found to be more affected by Covid 19 lockdowns that their extrovert counterparts.
“Extroverts find a way to connect,” even when conditions make it difficult to do so, she said, whereas introverts are less adept at maintaining their fewer social connections. ( Quote by Anahita Shokrkon, a PhD student in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta, https://www.ualberta.ca/en/folio/2021/08/pandemic-isolation-harder-on-introverts-than-extroverts-study-suggests.html )
If you find yourself in this situation and confused by the impact of lockdowns, know that
1. It is normal
2. It is ok
3. You are not alone
4. There is always a listener who will understand you at www.7cups.com
There
is always a group in the community of www.7cups.com
who will welcome you, you can find them here 😊 https://www.7cups.com/community/
@Cathylistens
Strength:
@SoulfullyAButterfly
References:
Lagunes-Córdoba, Emmeline, et al. "A better way of life: The role of leisure activities on self-perceived health, perceived stress, confidence in stress management, and satisfaction with social support in psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees in Mexico." Frontiers in Psychiatry 13 (2022): 1052275.
Pels, Fabian, and Jens Kleinert. "Loneliness and physical activity: A systematic review." International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology 9.1 (2016): 231-260.
Musich, Shirley, et al. "The association of physical activity with loneliness, social isolation, and selected psychological protective factors among older adults." Geriatric Nursing 47 (2022): 87-94.
