Does it ever feel like you’re always waiting to be criticized? Maybe for being scattered or not on top of things? Despite trying to hold it all together, the danger of someone “seeing what’s underneath” lurks around the corner. This might cause you to avoid putting yourself out there or asking for what you want. Many adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) identify with a phenomenon called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Adults with RSD express intense anxiety or despair as a result of actual or feared rejection. This can cause a person to spend hours worrying about social interactions or an “oops, I shouldn’t have said that” moment. They may even feel momentarily depressed when overlooked or invalidated. RSD is not a formal diagnosis, but rather a feature of ADHD; it’s a result of some combination of struggling with emotional regulation and a lifetime of being told things like, “you’re not living up to your potential.” And while RSD is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, it can also be the cause of other mental health struggles. Let’s explore:
Symptoms of Depression 
Depression involves:
- Feeling sad daily
- Social withdrawal
- Apathy around activities that bring one joy
- Symptoms of depression can also include hopelessness, negative self-talk, and sleep issues, to name a few.
However, depression often has a cunning onset, creeping in and taking over life. This is different from the momentary jolt of despair that comes from triggering situations that activate RSD symptoms. While many adults with ADHD struggle with depression, RSD is more reflective of how one interacts with the world rather than a separate struggle with managing one’s mood overall.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is a constant fear of evaluation. It has a life of its own and isn’t related to emotional regulation or a fear of failure per se. Social anxiety is more connected to fears that one will notice one is anxious, which will lead to negative evaluation. Social anxiety is almost always present when experiencing things like dating, meeting new people, or large social gatherings, and it’s difficult to mask. Whereas adults with ADHD often get good at masking their ADHD, and RSD becomes a part of their lived experience.
Symptoms of RSD
RSD episodes are intense. However, unlike depression or social anxiety, they are usually short-lived, but they still impact one’s life in larger ways. People with RSD can have the following symptoms:
- Getting frustrated or overwhelmed when they feel hurt or rejected
- Setting unreasonably high standards for themselves
- Low self-esteem and negative self-talk
- Social withdrawal
- Avoidance of risk
- Imposter syndrome
- Perfectionism
- Fears of failure despite external accomplishments
- Toxic shame
Wait, aren’t those all different issues? Imposter syndrome, toxic shame, etc….those are all connected to RSD?
Yes. Our culture hinges on language. Words or phrases are often used to describe our lived experiences that also correlate with mental-health concerns. For example: “imposter syndrome.” Imposter syndrome is also a toxic-shame issue. It’s as if no matter how much an ADHD adult achieves, the embarrassment of leaving their homework until the last minute never fades. This creates a split between the adult self and the child self, leading both with a hunger to outlive the disorganized and embarrassed inner child. As an adult, this hunger can lead to overworking and perfectionism, leaving the ADHD adult completely baffled when they get a promotion or things work out in some part of life. “Don’t they see how disorganized I am? How aloof? I got here by luck, and one day it will all fall apart.” In other words, things like imposter syndrome or low self-esteem can all be symptoms of the perceived or expected rejection that comes with RSD. See how it’s all connected?
Begin Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria ADHD Treatment in Columbus, OH
You can receive support in dealing with your RSD symptoms from our Columbus, OH-based counseling practice. We have caring therapists who specialize in adult ADHD and understand how RSD is affecting your life. We would love to support you in embracing the strengths of RSD.
To start your counseling journey with a therapist in Columbus Ohio, follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation
- Meet with one of our caring therapists
- Stop avoiding. Start living.
Other Services Offered At Focused Mind ADHD Counseling
If you’d like more help improving confidence and healing from rejection, an ADHD specialist can help. Our Columbus, OH-based counseling practice can help you manage emotions. Because ADHD impacts people in different ways, Focused Mind ADHD Counseling offers a variety of services in addition to adult ADHD treatment. We also offer counseling for men with ADHD, depression counseling for ADHD, and anxiety treatment for ADHD. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Columbus therapists.
