Accept Pain
Sometimes, the struggle with pain can become harder to live with than the pain itself. Acceptance can help reduce that struggle so you can put more energy into the things that matter.
Acceptance doesn't mean stopping treatment or believing the pain can't change. It means recognizing where things are right now and finding ways to live a meaningful life while working on what can be changed.
What acceptance can look like
Adjust expectations
Adjust expectations when necessary and focus on what you can do rather than only on what pain prevents you from doing.
Reduce the struggle
Notice the ways fighting pain can consume attention and energy, and look for opportunities to respond differently.
Focus on function
Pay attention to what you can do and what matters to you instead of making pain intensity the only measure of progress.
Practice pacing
Find a balance between activity and rest that works for you. Pacing can help you do more consistently without repeatedly overdoing it.
Make room for what matters
Consider the activities, relationships, and goals you value and look for ways to stay connected to them even when pain is present.
Adapt when needed
Acceptance can create room to adapt to changing circumstances while continuing to work toward a meaningful life.
More resources on acceptance
Pain and Me: Tamar Pincus talks about chronic pain, acceptance, and commitment
A conversation exploring chronic pain, acceptance, and commitment, with an emphasis on changing the relationship with pain rather than simply trying to eliminate it.
Watch the video →Hopping Off the Pain Merry-Go-Round - An Article by Tom Bowen
An article by Tom Bowen about stepping away from the cycle of continually searching for the next treatment or cure and beginning to focus on living with chronic pain.
READ TOM'S ARTICLE →Perspective | Our Dangerous Fear of Pain
An examination of how fear of pain can affect what we do and how changing the way we understand pain may change how we respond to it.
Read the article →Acceptance isn't giving up. It can be a step toward spending less energy fighting pain and more energy living the life you want.
Ready to take the next step?
Acceptance is one part of learning to live with chronic pain. The next step is considering practical strategies such as pacing, movement, goal setting, and changing unhelpful thought patterns.
EXPLORE CHANGE YOUR EXPERIENCE →All information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use at your own risk.
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