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