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