By Ronnie Freedman, Ph.D.

When many hear the word “acceptance” they automatically balk at this concept, believing this equates with “giving up.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

There is a definitive way to use this behavior modification and make it work, whether one is struggling with anxiety or feelings of depersonalization.

Acceptance is not about “learning to live” with these intrusive sensations…not by a long shot. It is doing something PROACTIVE that succeeds in turning off an overactive mind and allows it to refresh itself.

It’s not as simple as one may believe because it is very specific. It does take patience and practice but once one “gets it” they will free themselves from both anxiety and depersonalization. This way of thinking eventually becomes second nature as it fully internalizes, and the act of consciously thinking about it is no longer necessary.

Unfortunately a frightened individual starts out by automatically believing strong negative assumptions. This fearful thinking becomes habit to one who is worried and has little in the way of answers. It also adds to an already fatigued mind.

The individual fears three false beliefs:

(1) They are certain they are worse than anyone else who ever suffered with this.

(2) They are certain they are damaged in some way.

(3) They are certain they will never recover.

This thinking is normal in the circumstance. It is all part of the condition. They emotionally drain themselves with sentences that begin with “what if” and “oh my goodness,” which lead to the constant release of adrenaline. This stress chemical is helpful if one is truly in danger and needs to fight or flee, but in this case, the perceived danger does not exist and the body is exhausting its adrenaline supply very rapidly, often leading to feelings of exhaustion. Serotonin levels are plummeting as well, due to constant fear and worry. One’s sense of well being is dependent on maintaining this chemical in the brain and is restored by adhering to the proper diet/nutrition plan, described in greater detail through our research material and course.

Just because a mind, fatigued from constant fearful thought, is sending these negative messages, it does not necessarily mean the message is true. This is a form of self-sabotage brought on by a tired mind, and nothing more. After a time, one becomes acutely aware of this unproductive habit and no longer accepts victim status brought on by negative thoughts.

They realize there is nothing to fear since the proper use of acceptance will turn this around in short order. The only barrier is a strong resistance, many have understandably acquired, to actually using this technique and doing the required work. The reason being, they have been on a long and frustrating path from doctor to doctor, medication to medication, therapist to therapist with little relief. Naturally their resistance is high and their trust low.

When they finally have had enough of anxiety and depersonalization, and put down their resistance, they are ready to do what is required. This is when they will seriously work the program which will effectively release them from the reactions that have kept them from living their life in a comfortable manner.

Every moment that they are not worrying, fearing or lamenting, their mind is healing, anxiety lessening and the fog of depersonalization lifting. Every “what if” thought they catch, every doubt they brush aside, every negative thought they refuse to inwardly comment upon, is a restful moment for a fatigued and highly exhausted mind.

Shifting into something more interesting pulls them back into life again and engages the mind even further. This in itself is healing.

Talking back to automatic thoughts serves to instantly turn off an overactive mind and body, allowing it the rest it so craves.

All that is required of them is a willingness, a correct approach to acceptance, and by doing so they break through the fog, the anxiety and resurface on the side of clarity and peace of mind.