There are no simple solutions to mental illness treatment, recovery and improving quality of life. However, multiple simple strategies work together to help develop wellness. These strategies involve addressing each aspect of health, human experience and identity. Sarah Price Hancock’s professional and lived experience provides insight into mental illness treatment considerations, fueling psychiatric recovery and rehabilitation. She’s a certified rehabilitation counselor with a certificate in psychiatric rehabilitation who lived with acute symptoms of schizoaffective disorder bipolar type for 17 years. She shares unique “insider tips and tricks” with peers and professionals on living symptoms and working with people experiencing symptoms. For that reason, this website shares information on the following:

Mental illness treatment considerations

• Gutbiome byproducts & ability to  absorb/use nutrition (Gut Brain Liver Axis)
• Allergies and/or sensitivities (food & environment)
• Dietary choices
• Exposure to environmental toxins (mold, water impurities, agricultural pesticides, pollution, etc).
• Hormones (Thyroid (T3 & T4), Adrenal function, Insulin resistance, Testosterone, Progesterone, Estrogen, etc)
• Nutritional deficiencies and metabolic issues associated with breakdown of micronutrition
• Heavy metals
• Exercise and activity levels
• Medications’ impact on up/down regulation of neurotransmitter receptors, nervous systems and protein synthesis.

Human experience considerations

• Traumatic events (abuse of any nature, loss, natural disasters, disability, etc)
• Social support
• Safety in housing, school, work, etc.
• Relationships
• Education & Employment
• Meaning & purpose (often found in community service and/or spiritual experiences)
• Distractions

Identity considerations

• Natural talents & strengths
• Cultural heritage & upbringing
• Personal values
• Personal and/or religious beliefs
• Gender & sexual orientation
• Interests & passions
• Life experiences
• Education
• Career
• Responsibilities

Sarah’s professional and personal experience with mental illness teaches that each aspect of health, human experience and identity play important roles in recovery. When we lose our balance, daily life experiences can feel overwhelming and health deteriorates. For that reason, we must learn wellness tools. Using our wellness tools helps us to get on track (or back on track) no matter how far a person is from their desired destination. Life is a constant learning process. Sarah strongly believes that no matter where or when a person chooses to start their recovery journey, consistent effort brings success. There is no deadline on human potential.