One of the most counterintuitive truths about borderline personality disorder: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Borderline Personality Disorder Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of borderline personality disorder
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking borderline personality disorder is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging borderline personality disorder without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing borderline personality disorder to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for borderline personality disorder while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Borderline Personality Disorder
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting borderline personality disorder, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Borderline Personality Disorder
Many people find that when they stop fighting borderline personality disorder and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of borderline personality disorder is partly the struggle against it.