Radical Acceptance = Liberation | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress
Jul 29, 2025
Radical Acceptance: The Key to Liberation from OCD, Anxiety, and Stress
Are you feeling stuck on your journey with OCD, anxiety, or stress-related conditions? Maybe you’ve battled these challenges for years, or perhaps you’re just starting to recognize their impact on your life. No matter where you are, understanding the concept of radical acceptance can be a game-changer.
I’m Matt Codde, licensed clinical social worker and founder of Restored Minds, and in this post, I’ll break down why radical acceptance is so powerful and how it can radically change your approach to recovery. If you’re ready to experience real transformation, read on.
What Is Radical Acceptance?
Radical acceptance is all about authentically acknowledging your current reality—without resistance, without judgment, and without the story that you "should" be somewhere else in your journey. Many people fall into the trap of thinking, “I shouldn’t be experiencing this,” or, “I should be further along by now.” But here's the truth: resisting where you are keeps you stuck.
When you tell yourself you should be elsewhere, you’re actively resisting the present moment. And as I always say: what we resist, persists. That means the more you deny or fight against your experience, the longer you remain trapped in it.
Acceptance Is NOT Giving Up
A lot of people fear that accepting their struggle is the same as giving up, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. True acceptance isn’t about succumbing—it’s about being real with yourself. If you have anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or panic attacks, acceptance means saying, “Yes, this is happening right now,” without layering judgment or shame on top.
Acceptance liberates you from unnecessary mental battles against reality. It frees up energy you can use to focus on recovery, rather than fighting what’s already present.
The Power of Being Honest with Where You Are
One of the biggest obstacles in recovery is believing you shouldn’t be experiencing your struggles. You might think, “I’ve dealt with this for years—it’s not fair,” or, “Other people move on faster.” This only creates more suffering.
Radical acceptance is about stating the truth: “This is how things are in this moment.” No future tripping, no dwelling on the past. Just acknowledging what is, with compassion and without judgment. For some, this even means admitting, “I don’t know how to help myself,” and recognizing you may need support.
How to Practice Radical Acceptance
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Notice Judgments: Become aware of thoughts like “I shouldn’t feel this way.” Every time you notice judgment, gently shift back to neutral observation.
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State the Facts: Instead of resisting, state what’s true for you right now: “I am experiencing anxiety,” or, “I have been struggling for many years.”
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Release the ‘Shoulds’: Let go of the belief that you’re supposed to be somewhere else or that you are failing by feeling what you feel.
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Own Your Experience: Accept the reality of your thoughts and feelings without pretending they aren’t there or trying to push them away.
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Seek Support When Needed: Part of acceptance is recognizing when you need help. It’s okay not to have all the answers—you’re not alone in your struggle.
Why Radical Acceptance Liberates You
True change becomes possible the moment you stop resisting your reality. By practicing radical acceptance, you break the cycle of self-judgment and resistance that keeps anxiety or OCD looping. Instead, you create space for healing, growth, and real change.
Remember, radical acceptance isn’t about accepting this as your future forever—it’s about embracing what is so that you can move forward.
If you’re looking for more resources or personalized support on your journey to recovery, check out Restored Minds or connect with our community. And if this post resonated, help us reach others by sharing, subscribing, or leaving a review.
Let radical acceptance be your first step to liberation today.
