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Finding Clarity: Stuart's Mental Health Journey with Rosebud

Arjun Shukla
July 10, 2025
Arjun is the Head of Growth for Rosebud, a therapist-backed interactive journal.

Mental health challenges can deeply impact anyone, at any stage of life. For Stuart Pollak, a 55-year-old retired school principal from Long Island, New York, mental health had been a lifelong struggle. Battling depression and anxiety throughout his career, Stuart reached a critical point, prompting him to retire earlier than anticipated.

Searching for Effective Support

Stuart’s journey toward mental wellness involved numerous attempts at journaling, therapy, medication, and innovative treatments like psychedelics. While some provided temporary relief, journaling remained elusive for Stuart until he discovered Rosebud, an AI-powered journaling app designed to facilitate deeper self-reflection and emotional clarity.

“I’ve always been interested in journaling but could never maintain it,” Stuart explained. “Rosebud changed everything. The AI feels like I’m talking to a real person. It’s incredible.”

Tools Tailored for Authentic Expression

What stood out for Stuart was Rosebud’s intuitive AI capabilities, especially the “Dig Deeper” feature. Unlike traditional journaling apps or generic AI models, Rosebud could thoughtfully process his journal entries, ask relevant follow-up questions, and provide nuanced insights that genuinely helped him navigate complex emotions and situations.

“The ‘Dig Deeper’ button is amazing,” Stuart noted. “It helps me understand the root cause of my feelings. It separates different components of what I’m experiencing and asks questions that lead me to clarity.”

From Crisis to Clarity

At his lowest point, Stuart described feeling deeply hopeless, contemplating suicide, and struggling to find purpose. His decision to engage deeply with mental wellness practices, including Rosebud, significantly transformed his mental health trajectory. Rosebud became an essential tool, helping him process intense emotions, heal relationships, and navigate conflicts more effectively.

“There was a night when I was struggling with family conflicts, and journaling in Rosebud helped me release those feelings and find clarity,” Stuart shared. “It’s the feedback Rosebud provides that makes all the difference.”

Inspiring Others Through His Journey

Stuart has since become a passionate advocate for Rosebud, citing its powerful role in his healing journey. Recognizing the transformative potential of journaling supported by compassionate AI, Stuart actively shares his experiences to encourage others.

He also sees broader potential applications, particularly within education. With his extensive background in public education, Stuart believes Rosebud could significantly impact mental wellness in schools, helping students develop reflective skills essential for emotional and psychological growth.

Today, Stuart continues his healing journey with optimism, leveraging Rosebud’s unique capabilities to maintain emotional balance and clarity.

“Rosebud is the only way I’ve ever successfully journaled,” he affirmed. “It’s the best use of AI for personal growth imaginable.”

Stuart’s story is a powerful testament to the life-changing potential of Rosebud, highlighting the importance of accessible, intelligent, and compassionate mental wellness tools.

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