When the Paranormal Becomes Personal – Stage 7: Acceptance – “This Is Real, and It’s Affecting My Life”

Part 7 of a 9-Part Series of The Human Journey From Dismissal to Acknowledgement

Most people do not expect to encounter anything they would describe as paranormal. Unexplained experiences are assumed to belong to stories, television programmes, or the lives of other people—not to ordinary homes, workplaces, or families. When something unusual first occurs, it is almost always dismissed, rationalised, or quietly ignored.

This blog series explores what happens when that dismissal no longer works.

Written from the perspective of an average, previously sceptical individual, each post examines a distinct stage in the psychological and emotional journey that can unfold when unexplained events persist. Rather than focusing on belief, the series focuses on impact—how confidence gives way to unease, how control is gradually lost, and how everyday life and relationships are affected.

These posts are intended to offer clarity, reassurance, and recognition to those who may see themselves reflected in the stages described, and to underline that uncertainty is not weakness, and seeking help is not an admission of belief, but a practical response to a real problem.

Stage 7: Acceptance – “This Is Real, and It’s Affecting My Life”

Acceptance does not arrive as a sudden revelation or a shift into belief. Instead, it settles in quietly, often after prolonged exhaustion. The individual does not suddenly decide that paranormal explanations make sense; rather, they stop arguing with the reality of what they are experiencing.

There is a growing recognition that something beyond their control is occurring and that its effects are no longer theoretical or fleeting, but tangible and disruptive.

By this stage, the impact on well-being is undeniable.

Sleep disruption, anxiety, and emotional strain have become part of daily life. The environment itself feels altered, no longer neutral or comforting. When loved ones are affected—through fear, behavioural changes, or emotional withdrawal—the situation becomes impossible to ignore. The focus shifts from " What is this? to " This is harming us.

Emotionally, this stage carries significant weight. Many people feel a sense of shame for having dismissed earlier signs, replaying past moments with the uncomfortable clarity of hindsight. There is often regret for not having acted sooner, even though their earlier responses were entirely reasonable. Alongside this, fear grows—not necessarily of the phenomenon itself, but of what might happen next and whether the situation will escalate further.

Uncertainty about whom to trust becomes a central concern. Having encountered dismissal, confusion, or alarmism in previous attempts to seek help, the individual becomes cautious and guarded. They are no longer looking for dramatic explanations or quick fixes; they want stability, competence, and safety.

Crucially, acceptance at this stage does not require understanding. People admit the problem exists, but cannot define or explain it. This acknowledgement is not a failure of rationality, but a pragmatic step forward. By accepting the reality of the impact, even in the absence of clear answers, the individual opens the door to meaningful intervention and the possibility of resolution.

Help, if Needed.

If you or someone you know repeatedly dismisses strange experiences while quietly feeling unsettled, early guidance can prevent escalation. Confidential help is available from Paranormal Rescue, which operates as a sort of fifth emergency service, addressing incidents that fall outside the remit of police, fire, medical, or breakdown services. When unexplained disturbances disrupt normal life, Paranormal Rescue provides calm, structured, evidence-based support.

Written by Brian Sterling-Vete, PhD and Helen Renée Wuorio, TM, RM.

Founders of the Paranormal Rescue Organisation - www.ParanormalRescue.com

Brian Sterling-Vete is a veteran science-based paranormal researcher, field investigator, and author with decades of experience researching unexplained phenomena.

Helen Renée Wuorio is a Tarot Master, Reiki Master Teacher, and author specialising in intuitive perception, historical symbolism, and experiential consciousness research.

Together, they head Paranormal Rescue, a global organisation offering a unique and discreet emergency assistance service and support for those dealing with complex, malevolent and occasionally dangerous paranormal situations.