6) Ensuring Best Writing Practices (OUTDATED)
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
Beware of the Consumption of News on the Pandemic and Monitor Your Use of Social Media
During a time of constant change, new guidelines and worry, checking news to stay updated might seem a reasonable activity to stay safe by being well-informed. Social media has filled an important gap in social connection to decrease our feeling of loneliness while we were all isolated and unable to socialise face-to-face.
However, according to this article published in Springer, avoiding negative news on the Pandemic was the sixth of the eleven strategies mentioned by the British population to cope with the Pandemic. Ways to manage the stress induced by news consulting included staying away from social media or reducing the time spent in consulting news on COVID-19.
This information reinforces a recommendation of limiting the use of Social Media to help manage feelings of loneliness. While counter-intuitive for many as online modes of communication enable us to stay socially connected, unlimited use of Social Media has been correlated with an increase in loneliness and depression.
This underlines how meaningful and positive social interactions are more efficient against loneliness than long less-meaningful ones. As a result, we would like to remind you to spend quality time with your loved ones (video calls and online games are ideas to stay connected with them) but fray away from social media exposure and engage in activities that are known to decrease loneliness. Did you know for example that listening to self-selected music can have the same cognitive impact as spending time with a friend?
Sources :
Music May Reduce Loneliness and Act as Social Surrogate for a Friend: Evidence from an Experimental Listening Study https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2059204320935709
Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jordyn-Young/publication/328838624_No_More_FOMO_Limiting_Social_Media_Decreases_Loneliness_and_Depression/links/5be5a5cb299bf1124fc63279/No-More-FOMO-Limiting-Social-Media-Decreases-Loneliness-and-Depression.pdf
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Beware of the Consumption of News on the Pandemic and Monitor Your Use of Social Media
During a time of constant change, new guidelines and worry, checking news to stay updated might seem a reasonable activity to stay safe by being well-informed. Social media has filled an important gap in social connection to decrease our feeling of loneliness while we were all isolated and unable to socialise face-to-face.
However, according to this article published in Springer, avoiding negative news on the Pandemic was the sixth of the eleven strategies mentioned by the British population to cope with the Pandemic. Ways to manage the stress induced by news consulting included staying away from social media or reducing the time spent in consulting news on COVID-19.
This information reinforces a recommendation of limiting the use of Social Media to help manage feelings of loneliness. While counter-intuitive for many as online modes of communication enable us to stay socially connected, unlimited use of Social Media has been correlated with an increase in loneliness and depression.
This underlines how meaningful and positive social interactions are more efficient against loneliness than long less-meaningful ones. As a result, we would like to remind you to spend quality time with your loved ones (video calls and online games are ideas to stay connected with them) but fray away from social media exposure and engage in activities that are known to decrease loneliness. Did you know for example that listening to self-selected music can have the same cognitive impact as spending time with a friend?
Sources :
(i) Music May Reduce Loneliness and Act as Social Surrogate for a Friend: Evidence from an Experimental Listening Study https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2059204320935709
(ii) Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jordyn-Young/publication/328838624_No_More_FOMO_Limiting_Social_Media_Decreases_Loneliness_and_Depression/links/5be5a5cb299bf1124fc63279/No-More-FOMO-Limiting-Social-Media-Decreases-Loneliness-and-Depression.pdf
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Covid 19 – Loneliness and coping strategies
Times have changed and Covid-19 has brought about lockdown and social distancing further affecting our emotional wellbeing. The feeling of loneliness has spread among all of us. From not being able to meet our loved ones to being alone in quarantine, it can surely get lonely at times. While these are difficult days, you can still navigate through them with some coping strategies until things get back to normal.
Social media and having an online network can help curb loneliness (1). Even if you cannot meet everyone in person, you can still be connected to them virtually. However, when those zoom calls or chats are not enough, going outside might be a good option (2). Taking a walk in the nature while practising social distancing might also make you feel more connected with the people around you and a little less lonely. Taking care of your physical health is also good for your mental health. Exercise and sports during Covid times, will not only help you stay fit but also boost your wellbeing (1),(3). Moreover, if you believe in the higher power, religious and spiritual activities can also act as a coping strategy (4). At the end, just remember that you are not alone, and you can always reach out to your loved ones or seek professional support (1).
(2) https://www.ecommunity.com/healthminute/2020/how-beat-loneliness-during-covid-19
@loyalace9302
Hi Loyal :)
I thought your post was very hopeful and full of empathy. I like how you mentioned that we all can feel lonely, letting the reader know that they are not alone in these feelings. You've got a lot of references which is great but I wonder if they could come from more reliable sources?
I think you've given the reader several strategies to try and use in a clear way too :) I like the way you mentioned different sources of support e.g. reaching out to loved ones, here, spiritual/religious guidance.
Thanks for sharing!
@gentleFox20
Thankyou for your feedback! :)
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Using Hobbies To Cope
The pandemic has changed our day to day in lots of ways and it can be difficult to find some sense of stability in this overwhelming and scary time. Missing family and friends can impact our mood greatly and make it hard to find motivation and enjoyment. Interrupted schedules or routines can leave us feeling lost and unsure. Here are some ideas for how to regain a sense of enjoyment and stability by exploring our hobbies.
Spending time creating, problem solving, exploring and playing can support us in enjoying life especially during a global crisis. Hobbies often include these qualities and can be an ideal way to spend time with yourself. Some hobbies may offer a chance at learning a new skill or perfecting an old one such as baking, learning a new language or playing an instrument. Hobbies that are passive can still have positive effects, they don't need to have a specific outcome to gain enjoyment from them. For example, bird watching does not entail making anything or using particular skills, however connecting with nature and watching something intently can still bring us joy and a sense of achievement. For more hobby ideas reach out to the Hobby Community here.
Prevalence and predictors of general psychiatric disorders and loneliness during COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, Psychiatry Research, Volume 291,2020, Lambert Zixin Li, Senhu Wang,
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/mental-wellbeing-while-staying-at-home/#do-things-you-enjoy
@gentleFox20
I didn't mean to have the entire content bold, apologies!
@gentleFox20
What I liked :
- Your tone is warm and understanding, which makes your article reassuring.
- You are using a link to the NHS recommendation which I think makes it a piece of accessible information yet authority.
- You included a link back to 7 cups in the Hobby Community, I thought that was really good.
Ideas for improvement :
- You are using "coping" in the title and "to cope" in the headline, maybe could you find another way to prevent the repetition?
- Since you suggested contemplation, maybe it could have been interesting to make the connection with appreciation, which lowers anxiety levels?
@SoulfullyAButterfly
My Writing Flow State Notes
How I navigate the return to the intuitive epiphanies,
To invoke that I may evoke
That which seems numinous, sublime,
apparent in apprehension
at least, to me;
I possess no other measure.
Mind-states.
I submit some samples here below, such as I attempted to note yesterday.
anticipation, exhilaration, absorption, (ie: focused attention), awe
transportation, captivation, immersion.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Work related stress
As we all know, covid has been a very challenging part of our lives. Covid has disrupted our everyday functioning and many of us have had to suffer because of that. Covid has not only affected our day-to-day activities but also financial sectors of the world. Laying off from huge companies has been one of the drawbacks of covid. Economic rate had been lowered and the poverty rate had been increased to 32% from 27%. This has had a huge impact on people’s mental health. One such example is of my sister who had been laid off and this made her feel depressed and lonely in life. Staying at home, being locked away from the outside world, not being able to earn can have a huge impact on lives. Even though she was surrounded with her family, all she felt was discouragement and a sense of loneliness within her.
She manifested a perfect life to come out of this hard situation. Have you heard about the law of attraction or manifestation? Well, that has changed her life. She manifested a life where she was independent and happy with her living. This encouraged her to come out of the deep hole and make herself feel loved and cared for. She also used dance as a form of coping with loneliness. She made dance her best friend. She maintained a journal which made her feel connected to something she believed in. There were days I had seen her weeping and my heart ached seeing that. But seeing her turn that into a positive thing and coming out stronger is something I appreciate. If she can do it, so can you!
Talking to peers going through similar situations also helps to feel validated about how they feel. At 7 cups, we provide validation and compassion to everyone going through a tough time. We want to be friends with everyone who feels alone internally and give in our best for them to come out of the situation stronger and better.
@yourbuddy30
I liked your strong use of facts which provided a grounded basis for your post. The use of percentages made the scope easily understood and memorable, allowing readers to easily reference back to them. I like the use of an example, as that allows the readers to put themselves in the shoes of someone else and envision themselves in your sister’s situation. However, I would say it’s important to be careful regarding the use of examples that are very personal, as they might not work depending on the audience for the written content. Such as a personal mental health awareness blog versus the newsletter for a mental health awareness brand.
The Surprising Value in Volunteering
Selfless volunteering done for altruistic value or social connections has been shown to have health benefits, but did you know it can also make you feel less lonely? When conventional means of networking might be unavailable or limited, such as in person schooling, work, or recreational activities, taking a proactive role in your community might be able to provide that fulfillment. Volunteering for a position where you will have a large amount of contact with others, such as your fellow volunteers and those you will be helping, can enable you to meet new people in the midst of the pandemic. Depending on where you volunteer, you can ask the volunteer manager how to increase the social benefits you get from the experience such as when their busiest hours are.
Keywords: lonely, pandemic, networking, volunteering, social, in person, meet new people
@empatheticpie
Hey!
Strengths:
I really liked your writing and the scope of your paragraph. It is easily understood and engaging to read. The information it contained was a good take on the topic as well.
Areas of improvement:
Since the overall article would be on coping with loneliness during Covid I think you would need to tie up what you stated with the pandemic. It would also improve the quality of your work if you could find a source or research in the topic of volunteering to combat loneliness during lockdown.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic as Young Person
At a time when socialising is an important part of development, children and young people are finding themselves stuck at home. The Covid 19 pandemic is undoubtedly increasingly affecting young people’s mental health. It is important to take into consideration the struggles that young people are facing and will continue to face in light of the pandemic.
In late November 2020, a study showed that 69% of the surveyed adolescents, aged 13-19, reported feeling loneliness in the last fortnight. Further research showed that the most significant causes were the deterioration of friendships due to distance and not being able to see their friends and peers.
If you are a young person or a parent, you can find 15 helpful tips on things to do to combat lockdown loneliness: 15 things to do if you're feeling lonely | Mental Health Foundation
Sources:
@guidamaximo
I liked the scope of your writing, of how it deals with young people and the references that you have cited. I also like how you have given an in-text reference relating to the same for the readers to get more information from.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Coping with loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic
The insufficiency of digital contact
The distressing experience and the feelings of isolation that has plagued millions of people during the COVID-19 pandemic due to imposing of the lockdown has created a significant impact on people's lives. Spending time away from one’s family and friends in isolation has resulted in distress causing increased feelings of loneliness. Among the different coping strategies that people use to deal with loneliness, some have relied on digital contact and social media. Digital interaction amid the loss of in-person interaction is an insufficient alternative.[1] This has resulted in a vicious cycle for feelings of loneliness resulted in excessive use of social media which eventually resulted in an increase in anxiety levels. This is an area of concern and night require clinical attention.[2] If this is something that concerns you, you might want to look at different coping strategies and reach out for help which is a step away. If every person can make a commitment to reaching out to one person they are concerned might be lonely once a week, that would be a good thing.[3]
References:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0258344
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.586222/full
@SunshineNaina
Great use of sources and you took an angle to it I wouldn't have even thought of. Love your sub headline as well!
The Statistics: 2018 and 2022
Loneliness was already considered an epidemic before the pandemic, but social distancing and mandatory isolation due to the highly contagious and infectious COVID-19 virus has increased loneliness significantly. According to research conducted by Cigna a global health organization, in 2018 about 46% of all individuals surveyed reported feelings of loneliness, in 2022 the research showed that 57% of men and 59% of women reported being lonely, which is about a 13% jump from 2018. Both studies indicated people of minority groups indicated higher levels of loneliness. Now the guidelines of the pandemic have loosened, the rates of loneliness still have not seen a return, so how can we cope with the lasting negative side effect caused by the pandemic?
@InvaderStitch
I like that this paragraph included so much data. A couple of things may improve this piece, but otherwise a very captivating read.
First, I believe this paragraph reads in a very scholarly tone. So working on readability. I also struggle with sounding overly scholarly and have been focusing on my tone. I would love your feedback on the paragraph I submitted if you have time.
Second, in the discussion activity guidelines, specifically, Things to Avoid, @SoulfullyAButterfly talked about forgetting to answer the why. I wonder if this may need further attention as I was left wondering, what increased rates are and how can we cope.
Finally, I just wanted to say I appreciated the link in the text, this pulled me into the rabbit hole and I loved the little educational journey it sent me on.
@broadfemmelovelive
I appreciate the feedback. I'm not sure I know how to write non-fiction in a non-scholarly tone thanks to the education system! As a biology major, then switching to psychology, most of my college writing was research papers, I may try to explore ways to soften my tone and make it more readable for people who prefer the less scholarly and more casual tone when they read.
The "why" didn't make it into the brief paragraph, but if I would have continued I would have added more about why it is believed that loneliness has increased, but I was trying to stay focused for the paragraph without overwhelming my reader too much. Though, definitely including the why is important when reading an article because it helps tie all of the information together and gives it a purpose for reading, thanks for that reminder as I start considering my article topic.