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No one likes to be criticized or rejected, but for people experiencing rejection sensitive dysphoria, the effects of criticism or rejection are more intense and can feel unbearable.
Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is extreme emotional sensitivity and pain triggered by the perception that a person has been rejected or criticized by important people in their life. It may also be triggered by a sense of falling short — failing to meet their own high standards or others’ expectations.
— William Dodson, psychiatrist
Understanding the effects of rejection sensitive dysphoria can help you navigate the difficult emotions that come with it.
Signs of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Rejection sensitive dysphoria can show up in a variety of words, but people living with RSD may:
Become embarrassed easily.
Experience emotional outbursts when they've been hurt or rejected.
Have high expectations for themselves that are often impossible to meet, leading to them feeling like a failure.
Endure problems with relationships and social situations due to avoidance.
Experience anxiety in social situations due to anticipating rejection.
Think about hurting themselves.
Effects of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Rejection sensitive dysphoria can impact life in a variety of ways.
Quiz
How might a person experiencing rejection sensitive dysphoria approach starting a new job? Select all that apply:
People experiencing rejection sensitive dysphoria are more likely to avoid a new social situation or go above and beyond to earn praise and admiration.
Living with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Photo by Katie Barrett on UnsplashYou can learn to live and cope with rejection sensitive dysphoria and lead a fulfilling life:
Meet with a therapist. Therapists can help you learn how to handle your emotions and deal with criticism, failure, or rejection in a more positive way.
Manage your stress. Since you're more likely to have an emotional outburst when you're stressed, try to manage the stress in your life by eating well, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness.
Talk to your doctor. After you explain the signs of rejection sensitive dysphoria that you've noticed, your doctor will be able to recommend a variety of holistic treatments, and if necessary, medication.
Quiz
What steps can you take to live and cope with rejection sensitive dysphoria? Select all that apply:
Avoiding social situations can make overcoming rejection sensitive dysphoria even harder. Eating healthy and practicing mindfulness techniques can help lower stress. Therapy isn't a cure for RSD, but you can learn how to better manage emotions that come with criticism, failure, or rejection.
Take Action
If you live with rejection sensitive dysphoria, you can lead a happy and fulfilling life! Check out these resources to help you learn how to:
This Byte has been authored by
Eric Ranke
Educational Specialist