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