5) Writing Fresh Content For 7 Cups: Guidelines and Best Practices
Through this discussion, we will discuss the basic guidelines for writing fresh content articles for 7 Cups. After understanding the general requirements to keep in mind whilst submitting your content articles for 7 Cups publication, this discussion also highlights some general writing tips to keep in mind when writing content that relates to mental health.
The following are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Include an Article Sub-headline/header: one sentence, no punctuation at the end, this subheader goes under the title that encapsulates the piece -- (We will discuss this soon)
Article Length: 1000-2000 words.
Break up the article using Subheadings.
The article should not be previously published.
Include at least one non-copyrighted photo, at least 1200 pixels x 630 pixels in size (from Unsplash, etc). If one is not provided, it will be sourced for you!
For any facts or studies quoted, please provide sources as footnotes/listed at the end of your article.
For quotes from other professionals, consider back-linking to their professional websites, research-work links, etc. All articles will go through an editing process for optimization after submission as well!
Submit your Article as a Google Doc link to ayesha@7cups.com / Link it to the dashboard with editing access if provided a dashboard/ OR use the required form for submission as per what you have been guided on protocol.
You will be informed once your article has been published so that you can share and promote it as well! We will also share it on 7 Cups social media accounts.
When provided, please ensure that you include as many keywords, these keyword insights can also be used to guide the outline of your article.
Best Practices
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
Write a 100-word minimum paragraph on a mental health topic of your choice. Begin with a brief heading to inform the reader whether your paragraph is a general introduction or focuses on something specific. Ensure your paragraph includes factual information and mention your sources. Additionally, include a link to at least one source within the paragraph to support your claims.
This exercise will help you practice writing informative, well-researched, and engaging content while ensuring proper citation and credibility.
Bonus: Consider using previous discussions to research and use keywords.
Reply to at least one other trainee and highlight the strengths of their work as well as areas for improvement.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). During manic phases, individuals may feel unusually energetic, require little sleep, speak rapidly, and make impulsive decisions that can affect their well-being. In contrast, depressive episodes often bring feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, making even daily tasks feel overwhelming. This condition affects approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults each year (National Institute of Mental Health, 2025), and its impact can be profound, not only for those diagnosed but also for their families, communities, and care networks.Managing bipolar disorder often involves a holistic approach that combines medication, such as mood stabilizers, with psychotherapy and supportive lifestyle strategies. With the right care and understanding, many individuals living with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and balanced lives.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2025). Bipolar disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression) (Mayo Clinic, 2024). During manic phases, individuals may feel unusually energetic, require little sleep, speak rapidly, and make impulsive decisions that can affect their well-being. In contrast, depressive episodes often bring feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, making even daily tasks feel overwhelming. This condition affects approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults each year (National Institute of Mental Health, 2025), and its impact can be profound, not only for those diagnosed but also for their families, communities, and care networks. Managing bipolar disorder often involves a holistic approach that combines medication, such as mood stabilizers, with psychotherapy and supportive lifestyle strategies (Reinares et al., 2020). With the right care and understanding, many individuals living with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and balanced lives.
Mayo Clinic. (2024, August 14). Bipolar disorder - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955
National Institute of Mental Health. (2025). Bipolar disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
Reinares, M., Martínez-Arán, A., & Vieta, E. (2020). Psychotherapy for bipolar disorders: An integrative approach. Cambridge University Press.
@rebeccastgo
This piece offers a clear, informative, and compassionate overview of bipolar disorder, effectively balancing medical facts with human understanding. It begins by describing the hallmark feature of the condition, its intense mood swings between mania (or hypomania) and depression. These shifts can have a profound impact on a person’s daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life, underscoring the need for understanding and support.
The inclusion of credible statistics, such as the prevalence of bipolar disorder among U.S. adults, gives readers a sense of the condition’s scope and impact. Additionally, the description of symptoms is concise yet vivid, helping readers empathize with the challenges individuals face during both manic and depressive episodes.
What stands out most is the hopeful and empowering tone in discussing treatment. People can manage bipolar disorder through a holistic approach by combining medication, psychotherapy, and supportive lifestyle practices. The piece reassures readers that stability and fulfillment are achievable goals. This balanced presentation reduces stigma while promoting understanding and support.
Overall, this article succeeds as both an educational and encouraging resource, offering a respectful portrayal of bipolar disorder. It underscores the importance of comprehensive care and compassion, encouraging readers to be supportive and understanding.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Understanding Social Anxiety in Young Adults
Social anxiety is more than just shyness. It is the overwhelming fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected in social situations. Many young adults experience it during school presentations, group discussions, or even casual conversations. This constant worry often leads to overthinking and self doubt.
Anxiety can trigger physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. These reactions occur because the body interprets social stress as a real threat, even when it isn't. In some cases, past negative or traumatic experiences can also heighten these fears, making social situations feels unsafe (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
If you experience this, remember you are not alone. Many people struggle with similar feelings, and there are ways to cope. Practicing grounding techniques such as slow breathing, journaling your thoughts, or gradually facing feared situations can help ease anxiety overtime. Building a support system through trusted friends, peer groups, or therapy can also make a significant difference (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Lastly, validate your feelings instead of dismissing them. Anxiety is not a weakness, but a challenge that can be managed with patience and self compassion.
@ipoopcats
This is really good.
Strengths:
- Empathetic language
- Good and credible resources
- Easy to read and professional language
- Helpful actionable steps for the audience
- Informative
Weakness:
Rather than being a short subsection to an article, this seems more like it covers everything an entire article would.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
How Cognitive Biases shape everyday decision making?
Have you wondered ever, about plans made and commit to it fully only to realise you have set the deadline too early, some delays here, some there, add some unforseen circumstance and there you have it, a week or a month old delay. What went wrong with your decision? It's nothing but a simple case of Planning Fallacy, a situation of underestimating , time, effort and resources and feeling over optimistic about one's ability.
Biases like these shape our day to day decision making and we may not even be aware of it. Believing the "You knew it all along"? Im sorry to dissapoint but it is Hindsight Bias. Believe things that happened to you before, is likely to happen or remain the same in the future? Gambler's Fallacy. Thinking the person is smart just because they appear attractive? Halo Effect. And it's not just limited to these few, psychologists and researchers have identified over 200 cognitive biases.
It seems so frustrating right? Our reality not seeming as real as it actually is. Our biases affecting decisions in ways we not be aware of. But what could be the solution? Ultimately there is no one size fits all solution, as they are deeply built into our sytems, working as shortcuts to save energy and make quick decisions. However, we could learn about them and increase our awareness, spot them as we make our decisions, or perhaps slow down our decisions, sleep over it if time situation allows, seek others perspective, use facts as data (in case of optimism, negetivity biases and planning fallacy).
At the end of the day, we cannot not be completely bias free, but with these spotting mechanisms, we could definitely try to rectify them and make realistic decisions.
I appologize for making it so lengthy... Hope you enjoyed it! Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases
@Kosmoslistening
This piece provides a clear and engaging overview of common cognitive biases, illustrating how they subtly influence our everyday decisions. By highlighting practical ways to recognize and manage them, it encourages readers to become more mindful and realistic in their thinking.
Introduction to Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects millions all over the world. It is an uncontrollable, unpleasant, pathological state of the mind that induces nervousness, uneasiness, apprehension and obsession or concern about some uncertain events. Generalized anxiety disorder in particular, is characterized by symptoms such as muscle or chest tightness, rapid heartbeats, and irrational fear or worry that may interfere with everyday living. This fear may be either academic, financial, familial, health or future concerns. According to a study performed in 2018, 5.7% to 12.8% of anxiety victims are below 18 years, with the prevalence twice as high among women and in men. Anxiety has a variety of signs and symptoms, and if chronic, leads to low quality of life. Having full-on knowledge on the impacts of anxiety and available treatments are necessary for taking initiatives that could improve quality of life.
Resources
Silva MT, Caicedo Roa M, Martins SS, da Silva ATC, Galvao TF. Generalized anxiety disorder and associated factors in adults in the Amazon, Brazil: A population-based study. J Affect Disord. 2018 Aug 15;236:180-186. [PubMed]
@McElysium
This introduction offers a concise yet informative overview of anxiety, outlining its symptoms, prevalence, and impact on quality of life. By emphasizing awareness and treatment, it highlights the importance of proactive steps toward managing this widespread mental health concern.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
The Mental Health Impact of Loving a Narcissist
Being in a relationship with a narcissist can silently destroy your sense of peace and self-worth. I once believed I was deeply loved until emotional manipulation and betrayal left me anxious, confused, and constantly doubting myself. This emotional pattern, known as narcissistic abuse, often leads to anxiety, depression, and loss of identity. According to the American Psychological Association, narcissistic personality traits involve a lack of empathy and a deep need for admiration, which can harm their partner’s mental health. Healing takes time, but recognizing the signs and seeking support such as talking to trained listeners on 7 Cups can help survivors rebuild self-worth and hope.
Resource:
American Psychological Association
Keywords:
narcissistic abuse, emotional healing, self-worth, mental health awareness, relationship recovery, gaslighting, anxiety and depression, emotional trauma, toxic relationships, healing journey, self-care, empathy, online support, 7 Cups community
@RichFaust
This explains the emotional toll of loving a narcissist, highlighting how manipulation, gaslighting, and a lack of empathy can erode mental health and self-worth. By combining personal insight with resources, it offers both awareness and practical steps for healing and recovery.
@RichFaust
Great work choosing a unique topic and also including a personal experience within. It helped make the topic a bit less daunting. You could try adding some more concrete solutions next time! :)
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Video Game Addiction: An Introduction to Gaming Disorder
With so many of our daily routines tied to a screen, it's understandable that we sometimes lose track of how much time we spend gaming. But for some, especially adolescents and emerging adults (Griffiths, 2008), that screen time can quietly grow into something that impacts sleep, focus, or mood.
Gaming Disorder, commonly referred to as Video Game Addiction is an addictive behavioural disorder that is defined by the World Health Organisation (2025) as an impaired control over gaming behaviour that occurs repetitively for at least 12 months.
For those affected, gaming addiction can start to interfere with school, relationships, mental health, and it can increase the risk of developing health problems related to a sedentary lifestyle such as back pain, eye strain, obesity, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and coronary artery disease (Mohammad et al., 2023). This make understanding Gaming Disorder essential—not just for those affected, but also for the friends and family who support them.
References:
Griffiths, M. (2008). Internet and video-game addiction. In Adolescent addiction: Epidemiology, assessment and treatment (pp. 231–267). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012373625-3.50010-3
Mohammad, S., Jan, R. A., & Alsaedi, S. L. (2023). Symptoms, mechanisms, and treatments of video game addiction. Cureus, 15(3), e36365. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.36365
World Health Organization. (2025). 6C51 Gaming disorder. In International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (11th ed.). https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/http://id.who.int/icd/entity/1448597234
@ShannonStrawberry
This informative article highlights the growing concern of Gaming Disorder, explaining how excessive gaming can impact mental and physical health while emphasizing the importance of awareness and early intervention for those affected and their support networks.
@SoulfullyAButterfly please find below my paragraph:
Introduction to Parentification
It’s a parentified-child situation when a child is forced into an adult role — mediating fights, managing emotions, and feeling responsible for family peace. And when you grow up like this, it feels normal. You don’t realize what you lost, because you never had it. That’s why you’re struggling to see it as “difficult.” Because for you, this was just life.
But here’s the truth:
- A child is supposed to be a child.
- A child is supposed to feel safe, not be the one keeping others safe.
- A child is supposed to express emotions, not manage the emotions of adults.
What to do now?
Let go of the “peacekeeper” role , even if just for a moment. Give your inner child the validation she never got. Let yourself be playful, curious, unguarded. This isn’t about “fixing” you — because you’re not broken. This is about giving yourself permission to exist beyond the role you were forced into.
Source and more information:
1. The term “parentification” was introduced in 1967 by the family systems theorist Salvador Minuchin, who said the phenomenon occurred when parents de facto delegated parenting roles to children. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/sep/20/parentified-child-behave-like-adult?CMP=share_btn_url
2. These findings imply that parentification can be stressful for adolescents who live with a parent with mental health problems, and that a greater awareness of parentification is needed to prevent adolescents from developing internalizing problems. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281819462_Parentification_Stress_and_Problem_Behavior_of_Adolescents_who_have_a_Parent_with_Mental_Health_Problems