Episode 41: RSD: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Content note: this episode discusses rejection, shame, and self-harm. If you are struggling, you are not alone. In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
That sinking feeling when one small piece of feedback lands like a punch? There is a name for it: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, or RSD. In Episode 41, Greg, Rich, Liam, and Sarah talk plainly about what RSD is, why it can feel physical, and what actually helps, with no quick fixes.
We get into why one criticism can drown out ten compliments, why the rejection does not even have to be real to hurt, how this connects to ADHD without being limited to it, and the small tools that genuinely help in the moment.
In this episode:
What RSD is, and what it is not
Why your brain treats one harsh comment as a survival threat
"Too sensitive" versus something more than that
Grounding, breathing, and a cold-water bottle on the neck
The one-pause challenge to try this week
Chapters:
(00:00) What RSD really is
(03:22) How common is it?
(05:49) Why one criticism outweighs ten compliments
(10:34) When rejection hurts
(12:43) Real or just too sensitive?
(21:09) Do you need ADHD to feel it?
(23:35) What helps when the sting hits
(27:32) Free-form sharing
(31:40) What is on your heart this week
(40:09) Recap, challenge, and close
Featured this episode: Greg (host), with Rich, Liam, and Sarah.
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