By Marycon Young, Vitals contributor
For years, Alicia prided herself on being someone others could rely on.
In her leadership role within a small organization, she managed multiple responsibilities—often working nights, weekends and breaks to meet expectations. She rarely said no, even when the demands grew overwhelming.
“I was doing the job of four people and saying yes to everything, even when I was completely exhausted,” Alicia said.
Over time, the pressure began to build. Work demands intensified, criticism increased and personal stress added to the weight she was carrying. She struggled to sleep and felt increasingly drained but continued pushing forward, convinced she just needed rest.
That changed when exhaustion took over.
“At first, I thought I just needed a day off,” she said. “But then I couldn’t get out of bed—and that’s when I realized something wasn’t right.”
Encouraged by her husband and close friends, Alicia sought help from her primary care physician, who referred her to the behavioral health intensive outpatient program at Sutter’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center.
Finding Support Through Structured Care
MPMC offers structured behavioral health programs designed to support patients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma and overwhelming life stress. Through partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, patients participate in group therapy, individual therapy and psychiatric care while returning home each day.
“Our programs are designed to meet patients where they are,” said Dr. Tina Han, a physician with MPMC’s behavioral health team. “Many of the patients we see are managing multiple stressors at once—work pressures, family responsibilities or personal challenges that become difficult to manage without support.”
When Alicia first joined the program, she wasn’t sure group therapy would help.
“I didn’t understand how sitting in a room with other people was supposed to help me,” she said.
But over time, her perspective shifted. Sharing space with others facing similar challenges helped her feel understood in ways she hadn’t expected.
“Sitting in a room full of people who were also burned out made me realize I wasn’t alone,” she said.
Dr. Han said connection plays an important role in recovery.
“One of the most powerful aspects of group therapy is helping patients realize they are not alone in what they are experiencing,” she said.
Alicia also found comfort in the consistent support from staff and peers.
“They saw me,” she said. “They really saw me.”
A Turning Point Through Creativity
One of Alicia’s most meaningful breakthroughs came during an art therapy session, when participants were asked to imagine where they hoped to be in the future.
“That exercise changed everything for me,” she said. “I realized I had turned my back on myself.”
For the first time in years, she allowed herself to imagine a different path—one rooted in creativity rather than constant pressure. She formed friendships with others in the program and gained tools to better understand stress, set boundaries and make decisions aligned with her values.
“We supported each other through some very difficult moments,” she said. “Some of those friendships are still part of my life today.”
Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Care
MPMC continues to expand behavioral health services to meet growing patient needs. Most recently, the team introduced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment option for adults with major depressive disorder who have not found relief with antidepressant medications.
TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. Treatments are delivered in an outpatient setting and do not require anesthesia or hospitalization, allowing patients to continue their daily routines while receiving care.
This addition reflects MPMC’s broader commitment to expanding access to innovative, patient-centered behavioral health services.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Today, Alicia says she is doing far better than she once believed possible.
She has begun exploring artistic pursuits focused on creativity and self-expression. While she continues working on setting healthy boundaries, she feels equipped with tools she learned during treatment.
“The program helped me reconnect with who I really am,” she said. “I’m still learning how to set boundaries, but I’m doing so much better.”
Reflecting on her journey, Alicia hopes others who feel overwhelmed will recognize that support is available.
“You don’t have to stay stuck where you are,” she said. “Seeking help changed my life.”
