One of the most counterintuitive truths about coronavirus disease 2019: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of coronavirus disease 2019
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking coronavirus disease 2019 is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging coronavirus disease 2019 without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing coronavirus disease 2019 to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for coronavirus disease 2019 while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Coronavirus Disease 2019
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting coronavirus disease 2019, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Coronavirus Disease 2019
Many people find that when they stop fighting coronavirus disease 2019 and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of coronavirus disease 2019 is partly the struggle against it.