1 / 10

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria-RSD

RSD stands for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection, criticism, or failure.<br><br>The pain is sudden, overwhelming, and deeply personal, far beyond typical hurt feelings.

Rafael88
Download Presentation

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria-RSD

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) Understanding the Emotional Overload Why Some Rejections Hurt More Than Others

  2. Chapter 1: Unpacking RSD What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria? RSD stands for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. The pain is sudden, overwhelming, and deeply personal, far beyond typical hurt feelings.

  3. Who Does RSD Affect? While most common in people with ADHD, RSD can also significantly impact individuals with other neurodivergent conditions and mental health challenges. ADHD Complex PTSD Often co-occurs due to differences in emotional regulation and executive function. Past trauma can heighten sensitivity to perceived threats of abandonment or criticism. Autism Spectrum Disorder Anxiety & Low Self-Esteem Challenges in social understanding can lead to misinterpretations and intense reactions. Pre-existing vulnerabilities can amplify the impact of perceived rejection.

  4. Chapter 2: The Lived Experience How RSD Feels: An Emotional Cascade The internal experience of RSD is often described as an emotional storm, intense and sudden. Sudden Shame or Rage Emotional Shutdown An immediate, overwhelming flush of shame, embarrassment, or intense anger directed inward or outward. A rapid withdrawal or numbing response, leading to social isolation or internal paralysis. Obsessive Overthinking Avoidance Behaviors Relentless rumination on the perceived rejection, analyzing every detail of what went wrong. Developing a strong aversion to situations that might trigger future rejection, limiting social or professional opportunities.

  5. The Impact on Daily Life RSD casts a long shadow over daily interactions, influencing relationships, work performance, and personal growth. • Fear of rejection affects relationships, leading to people-pleasing or withdrawal. • Can mimic mood disorders, complicating diagnosis and treatment. • May result in emotional outbursts or an intense drive for external validation.

  6. Chapter 3: Navigating RSD Coping Strategies for RSD Empowering yourself with practical tools can help manage the intense emotional response of RSD. Label the Experience 1 Recognize when you're experiencing RSD and tell yourself: "This might be RSD." Naming it can reduce its power. Practice Self-Compassion 2 Replace self-blame with kindness. Treat yourself as you would a friend experiencing similar distress. Use CBT Techniques 3 Challenge negative thought patterns and reframe rejection-sensitive interpretations. Focus on objective facts. Set Healthy Boundaries 4 Protect your emotional well-being by clearly defining what you can and cannot tolerate in relationships. Medication Support 5 For some, ADHD medication can help regulate emotional responses and reduce RSD intensity.

  7. Therapy & Support Systems Professional guidance and community support are vital in building resilience and developing healthier coping mechanisms for RSD. • Seek therapists with expertise in ADHD and emotional sensitivity. • Explore trauma-informed therapy if underlying trauma contributes to your RSD. • Learn emotion regulation and grounding techniques to navigate intense feelings. • Connect with online peer support groups for shared experiences and understanding.

  8. "RSD isn’t weakness—it’s how a sensitive nervous system reacts to fear of disconnection. With understanding and support, emotional balance is absolutely possible." — Rafael Achacoso, PMHNP-BC

  9. Chapter 4: Moving Forward You Are Not Alone RSD is a real, valid, and manageable experience. It is crucial to remember that you are part of a supportive community. RSD is Real & Valid Talk About It You Are Not Alone Your intense reactions are not a flaw but a specific neurological response that can be understood. Openly discussing your experiences fosters understanding and reduces the isolation RSD can create. Millions experience RSD. Support is available, and many paths lead to managing its impact.

  10. Key Takeaways & Next Steps Key Takeaways: Next Steps: • RSD is a distinct, often intense, emotional response to perceived rejection. • Continue learning about RSD and its connection to emotional regulation. • It is highly prevalent in individuals with ADHD, but affects others too. • Consider seeking a mental health professional familiar with RSD and ADHD. • Awareness, self-compassion, and professional support are crucial for management. • Explore online communities and resources for shared experiences and support. • Practice the coping strategies shared today and find what works for you. Thank you for joining us. Let's continue to build a more understanding and supportive world.

More Related