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