The Art of Resiliency: Patient Stories of Maternal Mental Health Experiences

Authors

Sara Santarossa, Henry Ford Health; Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health SciencesFollow
Becca Austin, Henry Ford Patient-Engaged Research CenterFollow
Molly A. Bell, Henry Ford Patient-Engaged Research CenterFollow
Samantha C. Henry, Henry Ford Health; Henry Ford Patient-Engaged Research CenterFollow
Ashley Inclima, Henry Ford Patient-Engaged Research Center; Tides of Life Doula & Perinatal Bereavement Services LLCFollow
Hailey Maddox, Henry Ford Patient-Engaged Research CenterFollow
Tara G. Smith, Henry Ford Patient-Engaged Research CenterFollow
Leah Copeland, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Dana Murphy, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Ashley Redding, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Amy Loree, Henry Ford Health; Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health SciencesFollow

Publication Date

4-22-2025

Keywords

mental health, maternal health, pregnancy, patients

Abstract

As part of a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Eugene Washington Engagement Award aimed at improving capacity to address maternal mental health in research, this collection of stories describes experiences from six unique patient perspectives. Using motherhood as a common thread, these six stories weave together the patients’ challenges and barriers juxtaposed with their hopes and dreams. Exploring such topics as infant loss, expectations versus the reality of the postpartum experience, grief, loss of identity, loss of physical or emotional safety, advocacy, and perseverance through challenging maternal mental health experiences, these tales of resiliency leverage the voices and lived experiences of patients in a powerful, reflective manner.

Recommended Citation

Santarossa S, Austin B, Bell MA, et al. The art of resiliency: patient stories of maternal mental health experiences. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2025;12:87-100. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.2108