What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?

NeuroClastic posted this helpful infographic about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Here’s what they had to say about it:

“Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is a phenomenon that can be associated with neurodivergence, especially ADHD. It also can be associated with several mental health diagnoses, trauma, or a history of being invalidated.

RSD builds over time, making the experience one of accumulated rejections. It’s not a disorder or diagnosis, but a phenomenon that happens to people with a neurological predisposition or a long (complex) history of painful rejections.

RSD can be experienced when someone has been rejected or even when they fear that a rejection is likely; like after making a request or sending an email.

RSD is more than just experiencing sadness over a rejection. It can be a visceral, full-body trauma response that can lead to meltdowns, panic attacks, chest tightness, increased heart rate, impulsive decisions, and difficulty breathing.

When people experience Rejection Sensitivity, it can seem to be over minor negative feedback, like that a delicious appetizer needed a pinch more salt, or a wildy-positive performance review that had one minor “area of improvement,” like recommending filing reports alphabetically instead of chronologically.

People who experience RSD may withdraw or isolate themselves out of fear of rejection or may cut ties after a minor rejection.

Some people prefer the phrase Rejection Sensitivity. Be sure to read the article linked here for more information: Living with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.

These graphics were created by autistic graphic designer and illustrator Kate Jones or on IG at @dissentbydesign.”