Treasure Mayowa
Nigeria
-
Completed in
2023
EQ Hacks is proud to announce our 3rd-place winner feature article on Treasure Mayowa’s project—Bloom.
“Health is wealth, at least according to philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. However, there is a critical part of this ‘wealth’ that is being overlooked.”
Treasure Mayowa began her journey by researching the problem first (the core part of success). She detailed the contradicting issues within the mental health sphere. According to Forbes Business Council, there has been a stark global rise in mental health awareness. However, mental health care is not accessible to those that seek it. Furthermore, the UK Mental Health Foundation states young people aged 16-24 are found to be less likely to receive mental health care than any other age group.
At EQ Hacks, we agreed with Treasure that there’s a multitude of barriers in the way of support. Limited access to resources, including the exorbitant cost of therapy, a lack of information, and a scarcity of available professionals, poses a significant challenge. Even worse, the persistent stigma associated with receiving mental health care and concerns surrounding privacy further dissuade young individuals from reaching out for support.
What did Bloom do? In short, we were impressed.
Recognizing these constraints all too well, Treasure Mayowa crafted "Bloom" through Django, HTML/CSS, Javascript, Bootstrap, and PostgreSQL. Bloom is a mental wellness web application aimed at providing invaluable resources to guide young individuals.
At the heart of Bloom lie a multitude of features designed to empower and support users on their path to mental wellness. Let's delve into the key elements that set this innovative platform apart:
Journaling Guidance: Bloom offers a meticulously crafted journaling feature, complete with thought-provoking prompts that gently guide users through the process of introspection and self-expression. By encouraging individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions, this feature serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
Task and Habit Tracking: The webapp incorporates a comprehensive task and habit tracker with the profound impact of daily routines on mental well-being. Users have the ability to set goals, track their progress, and cultivate positive habits, all within the confines of a user-friendly interface. This feature not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of accomplishment.
Personalized Guidance through Chatbot Technology: Everyone's journey to mental wellness is unique. Bloom introduces a friendly and tailored chatbot. This AI-powered virtual companion offers personalized tips, insights, and advice tailored to individual needs. By harnessing the power of technology, Bloom ensures that support is readily available at the fingertips of those in need.
Comprehensive Mental Wellness Resources: Recognizing the importance of knowledge and education in promoting mental well-being, Bloom provides an extensive library of mental wellness guides and content. From informative articles to interactive quizzes that simulate real-life stressors, users can acquire valuable coping strategies and enhance their resilience. While this feature is currently in development, its potential to empower and educate cannot be understated.
The struggles are real. But vulnerability is important!
For the developer herself, one of the major challenges encountered was deploying the application to the internet. Being an early experience in deploying a Django project online, it presented a considerable obstacle. However, through perseverance, she was able to navigate the complexities of the deployment process, learning more about Django’s technical documentation along the way.
Even then, Treasure stated how she took pride in successfully implementing a robust database encryption feature within Bloom, ensuring the protection of private user data. To us, this accomplishment reflects a commitment to confidentiality and the security of individuals utilizing the platform.
How can Bloom be improved? We're not sure, but Treasure knows.
Treasure Mayowa's vision for the future of Bloom encompasses an array of promising features designed to enhance accessibility and support for young individuals seeking mental wellness resources. The upcoming developments include:
Integration of Mental Health Assessments: Bloom will incorporate reputable mental health assessments, providing users with comprehensive evaluations of their mental well-being. These assessments, sourced from trusted organizations and professionals, will enable individuals to gain valuable insights into their mental health status.
Anonymous Mental Health Support Forum: Recognizing the importance of a safe and supportive space, Bloom will introduce an anonymous forum, which will serve as a platform for users to seek and receive mental health support from others facing similar challenges. By offering anonymity, individuals can freely express themselves, share experiences, and find solace in a compassionate community.
Digital Therapist Directory: To bridge the gap between users and mental health professionals, Bloom will develop a therapist directory. This directory will provide a digital platform where individuals can connect with licensed therapists, ensuring easier access to professional guidance and support.
By incorporating these features, Bloom aims to foster a holistic approach to mental wellness. It seeks to empower users by providing them with valuable resources, connecting them with professionals, and fostering a supportive community. Treasure Mayowa's commitment to overcoming barriers and expanding access to mental health care is at the core of Bloom's future endeavors.
We at EQ Hacks found Bloom to successfully address mental health issues during a crucial developmental stage. By doing so, young individuals are equipped with the necessary tools for their mental well-being—safeguarding their emotional welfare. Through its innovative features, Treasure’s transformative web application truly fits EQ Hack’s goal of creating a world where their potential can truly blossom.
Check out Treasure Mayowa's work here:
Test it out here! https://bloom-x6o3.onrender.com/
If you liked this article and enjoyed Treasure's project, feel free to leave a comment of support on their DevPost page.
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