Coping and living with a mental health diagnosis is not always easy. It can often feel like a constant problem without a clear solution.  In addition to common self-help suggestions such as exercise and meditation, it’s important to find other simple daily practices to help your mood.

One technique is practicing “radical acceptance,” which means to “Completely and totally accept something from the depths of your soul, with your heart and your mind,” according to Marsha Linehan, Creator of Dialectal Behavior Therapy.

Included in this mindset is the idea that no matter what, you cannot change a situation.  For example, imagine seeing a tornado coming your way. Nothing you can do will be able to stop the tornado from coming, however, if you accept the inevitability of its arrival, you can prepare yourself and keep yourself safe.  If you stay idle trying to get the tornado to stop (impossible!) or deny that it’s even coming, you are putting yourself in danger.

The same analogy applies to a mental illness diagnosis.  Any time you spend trying to “get rid of it” or pretend it doesn’t exist is only draining your energy, mind, and soul.  Accept yourself and your condition. Then take the necessary steps to take care of yourself.

*Content published by the United Brain Association (UBA), such as text, graphics, reports, images, and other materials created by UBA and other materials contained on unitedbrainassociation.org are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the unitedbrainassociation.org.

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