Coping With The Mental Health Article
By Kathy Summers

Severe mental illness affects five million adults, and many more suffer with milder life coping problems, says the National Institute of Mental Health. People with psychological issues are looking for answers, and so are the people who live and work with them. Because these disorders are not limited by age, race, gender, or location, writers can sell psychological articles to a variety of markets. Your articles may not solve everyone's problems, but you can propose solutions, suggest coping strategies, offer encouragement, and inspire people to act. Here are five tips for writing salable mental health articles:

1. If you're not an expert, use quotes and stories from people who are. Experts in this field are some of the most willing and articulate people to interview.

2. Know the technical terms and definitions, but explain the information in everyday language. 

3. Try to find people willing to tell their stories on the record. It's a refreshing change from the composite mental health patient.

4. Tell the human side of the story with compassion and kindness. Include details and use anecdotes.

5. If your subject is controversial, include all sides.   

6. Find the optimism and hope in a situation whenever possible, but be realistic. Readers respect that.