How the Partial Hospitalization Program Helped When Grief was Overwhelming

Kenny Abel, 54, was overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, and depression after losing his daughter Juliana, and traditional outpatient therapy wasn’t enough to help him function. On his therapist’s recommendation, he entered the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, where the supportive, non‑judgmental staff and the balance of group and individual work helped him realize he wasn’t alone. Through education on grief, coping skills, and mindfulness—especially an exercise using “mindfulness jars” that helped him understand the temporary nature of overwhelming thoughts—Kenny learned practical techniques to manage his emotions and begin moving forward. While the program didn’t erase his grief, it gave him tools to carry it, and he now keeps a daily reminder to “feel his feelings.” Grateful for the experience, he recommends PHP to anyone struggling, emphasizing the importance of learning to manage everyday stress so larger challenges don’t become unmanageable. Copyright MyMichigan Health, CC BY-NC-ND. You may share this video for educational purposes but must credit MyMichigan Health and may not change the video in in any way or use it commercially.