At the OHC, we’ve created a range of maps and frameworks to help people understand not only diagnosis, but the recovery journey too. One of the most powerful is our Three Stages of Recovery model, designed to help identify where you are on the path and determine the type of intervention most helpful for your body at that stage. What helps in one phase may not help in the next — and understanding this can bring real clarity and peace of mind.
In this video, Dr Alex Howard, founder of The Optimum Health Clinic, explains the second stage of the model. If you haven’t watched our first-stage overview yet, you can find it here.
Stage 2 is the “tired and wired” phase, a point in recovery where your body has more energy, but your nervous system is stuck on high alert. The result? Irritability, poor sleep, anxiety, and the confusing feeling of being both better and worse at the same time. This stage can feel confusing, uncomfortable, and unlike anything you might expect — yet it’s a crucial part of the healing process.
Alex explains why pacing alone isn’t enough and the importance of nervous system regulation when it comes to truly getting your energy back. He also shares why some of the deeper interventions like detox protocols and intensive emotional healing work often start to happen in the later parts of this stage.
The video also touches on the transition into Stage 3, when energy starts to return more consistently, and why this phase can bring its own challenges.
We hope you find the video helpful. If you’re curious about how our team could support your recovery journey, a discovery call with one of our Client Coordinators is the perfect first step. It’s an opportunity to explore your situation, understand the challenges you’re facing, and see how our programs and approach could work for you — with no commitment, just clarity and guidance on your options.
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