Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Day 21 – Living Well with Challenges (ACT)

This next week, I’m going to focus on Emotional and Mental Health.

One of the hardest parts of life after stroke and living with communication challenges is learning to live with what has changed—without giving up on what’s possible. For me, that’s where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) came in.

ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that helps people accept what they can’t change, commit to what matters most, and take small, meaningful actions forward.

For me, acceptance hasn’t meant “liking” what happened or pretending it’s easy. It means learning to live in the present moment—without getting stuck in anger, guilt, or frustration—and finding ways to move toward the life I still want to live.

Mental Health Matters

After stroke, mental health is just as important as physical recovery. Research shows that 1 in 3 people who’ve had a stroke experience depression and/or anxiety at some point during recovery—and that rate is even higher for those who also live with a communication disorder like aphasia or apraxia of speech.

My first neurologist cautioned my family early on to watch for signs of depression or anxiety and to seek help if they appeared. I’m grateful for that advice, because addressing mental health made a real difference in my recovery.

From the very beginning, I sought help from mental and behavioral health professionals. The one who helped me most was a neuropsychologist who integrated ACT into therapy. Working with her gave me tools to manage frustration, handle fear, and focus on living fully again—even when progress was slow.

What ACT Teaches

ACT is built around six core ideas, but three of them really stand out for recovery:

• Acceptance – Allowing uncomfortable emotions, like sadness or frustration, without judging yourself.

• Defusion – Learning to notice your thoughts instead of being trapped by them (“I’m bad at this” becomes “I’m having the thought that I’m bad at this”).

• Values and Action – Focusing on what truly matters to you, and taking small steps toward it—even when it’s hard.

For people with aphasia or apraxia, ACT can be powerful because it shifts the focus from “fixing” speech to living well, right now, while continuing to grow.

ACT in Aphasia Recovery

Some speech-language pathologists now use ACT strategies during therapy to help clients cope with frustration and build resilience. For example:

• When speech feels difficult, take a slow breath and notice the feeling instead of fighting it.

• Remember your “why”—maybe it’s connecting with family, ordering your coffee, or reading to a grandchild.

• Celebrate actions, not just results. Each attempt to communicate, however imperfect, is a success.

ACT reminds us that progress doesn’t require perfection—only presence and persistence.

My Reflection

I’ve learned that acceptance doesn’t mean giving up. It means giving myself permission to feel all of it—the good days, the tired days, and the in-between—and to keep showing up anyway.

ACT has helped me focus less on what I’ve lost and more on what I can still do, share, and enjoy. Some days it was working hard on practicing speech. Other days it included taking a walk, drawing in my bullet journal or connecting with a friend who understands.

Tip of the Day

💛 Remember: 1 in 3 stroke survivors experience depression or anxiety.If you notice changes in mood, energy, or motivation, reach out for help—especially from professionals who understand brain injury.Try saying to yourself:“I can hold both—this challenge and my hope.”Then take one small action that aligns with your values, like reaching out, creating, or practicing speech—without needing it to be perfect.

#blogboost #aphasia #apraxia #communication #MentalHealth