Patient Story: Ideizha “Deejah” Johnson
Crochet, Community, and Courage: Deejah’s Story of Recovery and Resilience
Not too long ago, Ideizha “Deejah” Johnson was going through a rough time—"the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in,” she said. Her strength and determination helped her escape that situation in New York and return to Rhode Island, but the experience took a serious toll on her mental health. She suffered from PTSD, engaged in risky behaviors, and struggled with mounting bills. At 30 years old, Deejah found herself in a downward spiral.
“Life before the program was like a rollercoaster,” Deejah said. “I had to make a decision whether to stay or leave. I couldn’t get out of the dark cloud I had.”
During a routine visit with her primary care physician, Deejah completed a standard questionnaire and bravely admitted she was feeling suicidal. Her doctor took her concerns seriously and referred her to the adult partial hospital program at Rhode Island Hospital. When Deejah agreed to participate, her doctor helped her enroll immediately.
The adult partial hospital program at Rhode Island Hospital provides structured, short-term care for individuals facing significant psychiatric challenges. This program offers intensive daytime treatment from home, allowing patients to return to their daily lives in the afternoon, helping them maintain their support systems and apply new coping strategies in daily life. Participants receive daily one-on-one sessions with specialists, ensuring personalized support and continuous progress.
The program provided intensive support, meeting five days a week. Each day, she saw a counselor and a psychiatrist who helped manage her medications. One of the aspects Deejah appreciated most was the flexibility of the program—patients work with their treatment team to develop an individual plan for treatment and length of stay that meets their needs. A typical stay is 2-4 weeks with some staying for less time and some, like in Deejah’s case, staying a bit longer.
The program is fully virtual, which worked well for Deejah. “It was more convenient for me,” she said. “It was more comfortable.”
Being able to participate from home made it easier for her to open up to her counselor and connect with fellow patients in group sessions. Some days, depression made it difficult for her to get dressed, so virtual access ensured she could still attend.
“It was an awesome technique for me,” Deejah said. “When you’re depressed, getting dressed is the hardest part. It gave me a sense that I can do this.”
A typical day starts with checking in online between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., followed by classes and group therapy sessions. Deejah’s favorite part was the interpersonal group, where patients shared their experiences and supported each other. Optional sessions, such as meditation, helped her learn new coping techniques.
“I learned how to steer my mind, calm my mind,” she said. “It was very empowering to have the control to let thoughts come in and pass through.”
The connection with others facing similar challenges was invaluable. “You don’t feel alone,” she said. She also appreciated the care she received from her doctor, Daniella Palermo.
Among the many skills Deejah gained, self-soothing was the most beneficial. She discovered that tactile activities helped her manage stress and began crocheting as a way to relax.
As Deejah progressed, she initially feared leaving the program. “I was afraid I would fall back into old habits,” she admitted. The program worked closely with Deejah to determine a discharge timeline that allowed her to adjust at her own pace. Over time, she realized she had developed the tools she needed to move forward.
She began planning her days, attending outpatient group therapy, and applying what she had learned. She returned to the condo she had left before moving to New York and, most importantly, felt safe again. She also regained something she had lost during her struggles—her ability to work.
“I’m not completely back to where I was, but I’m damn near close,” she said. “I started from the beginning, and it’s okay to do it.”
Find out more about the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program at Rhode Island Hospital