Rejection, Criticism, People Pleasing, Flooding, over excitement, flash rage, deep sadness, these are all words that describe or at least start to describe Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). If you are reading this and you have ADHD the chances are pretty high that you also have RSD. Were you ever told you were too dramatic, a cry baby, too whiny, quick to anger, or that it just isn’t that bad you need to get over it? If so, you may have RSD. Growing up I was overly sensitive, criticism is almost excruciating for me, I tend to be a people pleaser, and flooding is a pretty accurate word to describe how my emotions take over. In this episode I go further into detail as to how RSD has affected my life from a little kid, my teenage years, College, and even now. Please listen and then come over to my social media sites or my website and tell me how you deal with your RSD. How has it affected your life and how do you try to manage it? What are your triggers?
As promised in the episode here are some links to articles on RSD:
https://www.thrivetalk.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria/
https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-and-adhd/
https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/rejection-can-more-painful-with-adhd/
https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ATTN_10_16_EmotionalRegulation.pdf
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2003-00785-007
Also in the amazon (affiliate links) is a book about the biological side of ADHD, a book about overcoming rejection which I am waiting to read it’s in my que. Also when all else fails I love adult coloring books and the more curse words the better. They make my immature brain happy.
If you haven’t been to Dani Donovan’s Instagram check it out she has a way of perfectly explaining parts of ADHD with her graphics (see sample of her awesome work below).
As an Amazon Associate I earn a nominal fee from qualifying purchases in the links below.
Please Note: I will only promote items I choose with no influence from outside sources.
Dear Jeanette, I just discovered your podcast and wanted to take a moment to thank you for sharing your story despite RSD- I know what’s it’s like, believe me. And I loved what you said about times of not even feeling confidence to do the shows but your desire to help others is stronger, that is just so cool.
Your episode on RSD has been the first on the subject that Ive really related to. I find that not only do you seem knowledgeable but also have a better way of explaining the experience and also do so in a non-irritating way.
I really appreciate you as I navigate(struggle) my adhd journey and look forward to other episodes.
Hi Lindsay,
I cannot tell you how much your comment means to me. Thank you for listening! I hope you find other episodes just as relatable.
Jeanette