A Path Back to Living: Madisen’s Story of Healing at Alma’s PHP
Resilient, Creative, Mental Health Advocate
“My experience with the staff and everyone involved was amazing and very professional. I wish more mental health places were as good and helpful. It was a truly healing experience.”
Madisen Satterlee of Mt. Pleasant has experienced depression on and off since childhood and has worked with many mental health professionals in her 27 years. Her most recent episode affected her ability to enjoy the things she loved most including a love for photography, movies, beauty makeup and hair styling. She found herself without motivation and reached a point where she wasn’t sure she wanted to live. Thanks to treatment in the Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma, Satterlee has returned to her creative passions.
Satterlee enrolled in Alma’s PHP as a step down from an inpatient stay for depression following a suicide attempt. When arriving at the program, she was anxious and unsure whether the program would help. She remembers, however that, from day one, the staff were welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in her well‑being. She especially appreciated feeling heard and understood and never like a burden. “Nothing I said was too much,” she shared. “I appreciate how everyone was nonjudgmental and willing to help.”
Having received treatment for recurrent depression in many settings, Satterlee describes her experience with Alma’s PHP as a special one. “My experience with the staff and everyone involved was amazing and very professional. I wish more mental health places were as good and helpful. It was a truly healing experience.”
Recurrent depression kept Satterlee from being able to invest in an education or a career, even though she had long been interested in helping professions. Her depressive thoughts made her doubt her abilities, but her time with the staff at PHP helped her recognize her strengths. The program helped her put together a daily routine. Now she is consistently waking up earlier, taking a morning walk, eating healthier and keeping her home cleaner and more organized. She says being more mindful with her time and keeping better interpersonal boundaries has improved her mood, motivation and energy, allowing her to return her hobbies and personal care. She now plans to enroll in college.
Satterlee encourages anyone struggling with mental health to consider PHP. She is amazed by how much the experience opened her up to personal growth. Having successfully received help during one of the lowest points in her life, where she no longer wanted to live, she believes others, regardless of the severity of their symptoms, could benefit, as well. “I think it could be helpful to everyone,” she said with confidence.
PHP staff worked with Satterlee to develop the tools she needed to continue moving forward in life and transition into outpatient counseling, where she can address the aftereffects of childhood trauma. She now feels she has the energy to do that work. “I am feeling amazing since the program!”
Those interested in learning more about the PHP program call (989) 466-3253 or visit www.mymichigan.org/alma-php
