Do They Actually Hate Me Or Do I Have RSD: A Guide In Neurdivergence

This is for the Editorial Fellowship

Rejection!

It happens to the best of us.

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Spending hours on a project, investing time in a person, or even simply not meeting the status quo amongst our peers can sometimes feel like a huge weight on your confidence.

How we process rejection often depends on the situation and varies person to person.

However, having a history of painful rejections or feelings of being invalidated may warrant a different response.

What is RSD?

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RSD stands for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. It is often increased sensitivity or emotional outbursts associated with the pain felt after being rejected. RDS is common in neurodivergence and characterized by intense sensory overload.

RSD often builds over time through several painful rejections.

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It is a phenomenon associated with a cycle of pain that often leads to extreme sensitivity or even violent outbursts.

People who experience rejection sensitivity do not always react to major rejections.

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This can range anywhere from an unpleasant email to buying food that looks delicious, but does not taste as it appears.

RSD is more than just your average embarrassing "aha moment".

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It is a full body response that can lead to

-a panic attack

-trouble breathing

-increased heart rate

-impulsive decisions

People who experience RSD may feel reserved, cut ties after a minor inconvenience, or isolate themselves due to fear of receiving more rejection.

I May Have RSD... How Can I Manage it?

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*Keep a journal

*Find support in your community or other social circles

*Identify things that trigger you and relax before you respond

*Some of these medications may also be helpful!

Sometimes it's good to live in the maybes.

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RSD thrives in the world of uncertainty. Even though rejection can be hard, living in the land of what ifs can make you miss out on even better opportunities. Most importantly, your best days are still to come!

Be sure to check out living with RSD. For more helpful tips and personal stories about rejection sensitive dysphoria. Sometimes your brain is wired different than others and that's okay!