Improve User Interface for Emotional Journaling #159
Description
Prerequisites
- I have searched existing issues to ensure this feature hasn't been requested before
- I have read the project documentation and contribution guidelines
🎯 Problem Statement
Based on the projects you've shared, here's an easier issue you can tackle for the TalkHeal project. This one is more focused on front-end UI/UX and doesn't require complex security or backend changes.
Issue: Improve User Interface for Emotional Journaling
Description
The emotional journaling feature is a core component of the TalkHeal application. However, the current user interface for this feature is quite basic. An improved UI/UX would encourage more consistent use and make the journaling process feel more intuitive and supportive. By enhancing the visual design and functionality, we can make the experience more empathetic and aligned with the app's overall purpose.
💡 Proposed Solution
Date and Time Display: Add a clear date and time stamp to each journal entry. This helps users track their emotional state over time and provides a better sense of a personal record. The date could be displayed prominently above the entry.
Mood/Emotion Tags: Implement a simple system where users can select a mood or emotion to associate with their journal entry (e.g., using emojis or small, colored icons like 😊, 😔, 😠). This feature would not only make entries easier to categorize and search but also add a visual element that reinforces the app's focus on emotions.
Journal Entry Preview: In the list of past journal entries, instead of showing the full text, display a truncated preview of the entry. This makes the list much cleaner and easier to scan, allowing users to find a specific entry more quickly. You could also include the mood tag and date in this preview.
Edit and Delete Buttons: Add dedicated "Edit" and "Delete" buttons for each journal entry. This gives users full control over their personal data and allows them to correct or remove entries as needed. The buttons should be visually distinct but subtle to avoid cluttering the interface.
🔄 Alternatives Considered
No response
📊 Priority Level
Low - Nice to have
🎭 Use Cases
- On-Demand Emotional Support
User Scenario: A user feels overwhelmed or anxious late at night and has no one to talk to.
TalkHeal's Role: The user opens the app and starts a conversation with the AI. TalkHeal provides an empathetic, non-judgmental space to express their feelings, offering comfort and active listening, and suggests simple, evidence-based coping mechanisms like a breathing exercise or a short mindfulness meditation.
- Emotional Journaling and Mood Tracking
User Scenario: A user wants to better understand their emotional patterns and identify what triggers their stress or sadness.
TalkHeal's Role: The user uses the journaling feature to write about their day. They can tag their entry with a mood emoji. Over time, TalkHeal can provide insights and visualizations (e.g., a simple graph) showing how their mood has changed over the week or month, helping them gain self-awareness.
- Guided Self-Help Exercises
User Scenario: A user is feeling stressed before a big presentation and needs a quick way to calm down.
TalkHeal's Role: The user can ask TalkHeal for "stress relief." The assistant can then guide them through a short, structured exercise, such as a 5-minute deep breathing technique, progressive muscle relaxation, or a positive affirmation.
- Resource Discovery and Crisis Management
User Scenario: A user is experiencing severe distress or having suicidal thoughts and needs immediate professional help.
TalkHeal's Role: Based on keywords in the conversation ("suicidal," "self-harm," "can't go on"), TalkHeal can detect a potential crisis. It immediately provides an in-app prompt with a crisis hotline number (e.g., 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.) and encourages the user to reach out to a professional. This serves as a vital first-line response.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques
User Scenario: A user wants to work on changing negative thought patterns but doesn't have access to a therapist.
TalkHeal's Role: The assistant can be programmed to guide the user through simplified CBT exercises. For instance, it can help the user identify a negative thought, challenge its validity with evidence, and reframe it into a more balanced or realistic thought.
- Long-Term Well-being and Habit Building
User Scenario: A user wants to build a consistent habit of practicing gratitude or mindfulness.
TalkHeal's Role: The assistant can act as a daily check-in companion. It can send automated prompts to the user asking, "What are three things you're grateful for today?" or "Did you take a moment for yourself today?" This consistent interaction helps users reinforce positive habits.
- Stigma-Free and Anonymous Support
User Scenario: A user is hesitant to seek professional help due to the social stigma associated with mental health or because they don't want anyone to know they are struggling.
TalkHeal's Role: The platform provides a completely private and anonymous space. Since the conversations are with an AI, the user can be fully open and honest without fear of judgment, making it an accessible first step for many.
📎 Additional Context
No response
🤝 Contribution
- I'm willing to submit a pull request for this feature
- I'm available to help with testing
- I can provide additional feedback during development