Audio Version (10:55)
As we’re at the start of ADHD Awareness Month, I thought I’d cover something many of us with ADHD experience but don’t always recognise: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria.
Have you ever received a slightly abrupt email and immediately thought, “What have I done wrong?” Or had someone criticise you, disagree with you, or simply change their tone of voice, and felt an emotional reaction far bigger than the situation seemed to warrant?
If you’re neurodivergent, particularly if you have ADHD (as I do), this could be Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, or RSD. It can affect how we handle criticism, relationships and everyday interactions, and contribute to behaviours such as people-pleasing and perfectionism.
In today’s article, I’ll explain what RSD is, why rejection can feel so painful and how it can show up at work.
To watch the extended YouTube version of this article, where I also discuss why Understanding RSD Doesn’t Excuse Poor Behaviour, Feelings Are Information, Not Always Evidence, Give the Emotion Time to Settle and Stop Trying to Avoid Rejection Completely, click here.
