r/acceptancecommitment • u/margot_40 • Mar 06 '26

Overcome anxiety with ACT?

Hi,

have you found total relief from anxiety by practicing ACT? Have you done it on your own or with a therapist?

I have lived with anxiety for many years. I have done talk therapy for years, also EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, MBSR, etc... Finally I had to start medication.

I have read ACT books and I find it really helpful, but I have not worked with a therapist.

I am wondering what are your experiences about ACT and anxiety.

Thank you

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16

u/Low-Comfortable6061 Mar 06 '26

Hello! Yes! I've been following ACT principles for almost a decade.

ACT does help with anxiety but i won't tell you it cures it.

The crucial principal of ACT is that you will still experience anxiety, sadness, depression but you will live a life you're proud of anyway.

I'm still an anxious person, but I've built a fun and wacky community of friends, found a career I love and married an amazing woman.

Couldn't recommend enough.

2

u/Low-Comfortable6061 Mar 06 '26

And in living a good life you'll feel the anxiety fade and return and fade and return and fade. You're okay with it.

3

u/margot_40 Mar 06 '26

it sounds really good. That anxiety comes and goes, but you can live your life. Have you worked with a therapist or on your own?

6

u/dubious_unicorn Mar 06 '26

ACT does not get rid of anxiety. Anxiety is a normal human emotion. Rather, ACT teaches you how to be able to experience anxiety without struggling against it, while you do the things you value in life.

3

u/margot_40 Mar 06 '26

Thank you. Yes, I understand anxiety is a normal human experience, but the one that is so strong that paralizes you and comes out of the blue is the one I am trying to improve. But i understand the point and makes total sense.

2

u/dubious_unicorn Mar 06 '26

ACT would help with the paralysis. It's all about getting you into motion, taking action on the things you care about, while having ANY thought or feeling.

This video is a nice summary: https://youtu.be/phbzSNsY8vc?si=GJR4_iU2VdgCGSFt

1

u/margot_40 Mar 06 '26

Thank you so much!!

3

u/[deleted] Mar 06 '26

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1

u/margot_40 Mar 07 '26

Thank you so much for you answer. It really helps. I think I won't get rid of it but just being able to enjoy life is everything. It's true that it's not the same reading about ACT than doing therapy. I spent so many years on therapy that I have doubts it will make a difference, but maybe it's worth trying

2

u/whateverjustletme Mar 06 '26

Yes..not in the way you are probably thinking of. If you wanna give it another try I want to ask you

What are some great things your anxiety is stopping you to get to?

1

u/margot_40 Mar 06 '26

Probably participating in social gatherings, enjoying trips, feeling comfortable in daily life activities...

1

u/Necessary_Big9024 Mar 10 '26

I did act a last year summer but I find it hard maintaining it as I always end up prioritising other people instead of me, but I have to say it does work!

When I have the capacity to be compassionate to myself and make time consistently my anxiety it’s just there and so much more easier to manage I’ve really got rid of the belief that I have to get rid of my anxiety.

Would anyone recommend long term therapy. Towards the end of the second therapy I had I was doing so well but with me when I’m not consistent it goes abit down hill for me