This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
Published on December 17, 2019, by Eunice Victoria, a writer who has struggled with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) since her teenage years.
Rejection is a painful experience for many, but for individuals with ADHD, it can be a matter of life and death. RSD is a symptom of ADHD that affects the brain's self-management system, making it difficult for individuals to cope with rejection and criticism.
According to ADDitude magazine, RSD is an extreme emotional sensitivity and emotional pain triggered by the perception, not necessarily the reality, that a person has been rejected, teased, or criticized by people they deem important in their life.
Individuals with RSD may experience symptoms such as shyness, depressive thoughts, setting high standards for themselves, feeling hopeless, fear of failure, criticizing themselves most of the time, and seeking self-approval from family and friends.
Many people with RSD have learned to cope with the disorder by becoming people pleasers or giving up on trying. However, RSD can only be managed by medication, and often, psychotherapy does not work and may even worsen the feeling.
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is a significant concern for teens and young adults with ADHD, as it can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Parents of teens with RSD symptoms should be closer to them to learn more about managing the symptoms and providing support.
As Eunice Victoria shares her personal experience with RSD, she emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support from trained professionals and loved ones. By understanding RSD and its effects, we can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for individuals with ADHD.
