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