How do I write a journal entry? Is it private?
Open Wellness, tap Personal Journal, write, and save; entries start out private.
This needs an account. Sign in to the app first.
Steps
- Open Wellness, then the Mind & Mental Health group, then Personal Journal.
- On the Write tab, type in the large box. A title is optional.
- If you want, choose a journal type, such as Free Write or Gratitude, and add how you feel before and after, and tags.
- Under Privacy, you will see that the entry is Private. There is nothing to switch.
- Tap Save Entry. Your saved entries are on the Entries tab, where you can open one and delete it.
Who can read it
Your entries are saved to your account. Other members cannot open them. The server only lets your own account read your journal.
The privacy page says the app's staff roles are not set up to read journal entries. It also says the person who runs the server can technically read what is stored there. The privacy page describes the Encrypted Vault in Settings as encrypted on your own device. Journal entries are not kept in the Vault.
Shared entry
The Personal Journal saves every entry as Private and has no sharing choice. The journal in the Mental Health Center has a switch that can change an entry to Shared entry. That switch only saves a mark on the entry.
Nothing in SOS uses that mark to show your writing to other members. If you are not sure, keep the entry Private.
The other journal
The Mental Health Center has its own Journal. Tap the plus button, write, pick a prompt if you want one, and tap Save. It also keeps entries Private unless you switch the entry to Shared.
If your writing turns dark
Both journals check what you type for words about hurting yourself. The check runs on your device, and nothing is stored or sent. A support banner can appear. It is a simple word check and it can miss things.
Call or text 988 at any time to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. If you are in danger right now, call 911.
What happens next
Deleting an entry asks you to confirm and cannot be undone.