ADHD & Rejection Sensitivity

Emotions

19th Jan 2024

Rejection can be painful

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is a term used to describe an extreme emotional sensitivity and fear of rejection, criticism, or disapproval from others.

RSD HAS consequences

Those experiencing RSD may react intensely to perceived social threats, often leading to heightened anxiety and a strong desire to avoid situations that may trigger these feelings. Rejection sensitivity can be one of the most hurtful experiences for someone with ADHD.

Seek support

DBT & CBT therapies can be a great start! It can help you find out where the strong fear of rejection comes from and also learn skills that help regulate the nervous system and tolerate distressing feelings. It can also help with all the things mentioned below. 👇

Deepen self-awareness

Recognizing and understanding personal patterns and triggers associated with rejection sensitivity allows us to proactively cope with challenges, engage in cognitive preparation, communicate more effectively, and promote personal growth. This awareness contributes to emotional resilience and a more balanced response to rejection.

emotion regulation

Handling rejection becomes easier when we learn to tolerate our feelings, as well as soothing the nervous system, to make them less intense. Emotion regulation helps us bounce back from rejection, making it simpler to deal with and learn from those experiences.

communication skills

Effective communication skills and healthy boundaries can play crucial roles in managing rejection more constructively. By honing communication skills, we can express thoughts, feelings, and expectations more clearly, fostering understanding and preventing misunderstandings that might lead to rejection. Establishing and maintaining personal boundaries also contributes to self-respect and self-advocacy, helping us define limits.

A great book about this: “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself”.

building self-esteem

Building self-trust can help with rejection sensitivity by fostering a strong inner foundation that withstands external judgments. When we trust ourselves, we develop confidence in our abilities, opinions, and worth, reducing the impact of external validation on self-esteem. This internal assurance can act as a buffer against the fear of rejection, allowing us to navigate social situations with greater resilience and a more balanced perspective on perceived threats.