Game Changer

[soc_puppet]

I'm posting this absolutely everywhere, because it is fucking game changing for me.

[Content Warning for suicide mention at the link]

How ADHD Ignites Rejection sensitive Dysphoria: "Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is an extreme emotional sensitivity and emotional pain triggered by the perception – not necessarily the reality – that a person has been rejected, teased, or criticized by important people in their life. RSD may also be triggered by a sense of failure, or falling short – failing to meet either their own high standards or others’ expectations."

As a person with ADHD, I would have loved to know why, exactly, I cry like the world is ending whenever I make the slightest screwup. I'm nearly thirty years old, and I finally have an answer. At least now I can use it going forward.

Comments

[abarero]

Oh gosh, I'm so talking to my doctor about this. Because I have major rejection/perceived rejection issues that sound exactly like this and I've never been diagnosed as ADHD and just figured it was part of my depression. It's mind blowing to know that it's a symptom and that other people have the same problem.

[soc_puppet]

I know, right? It's like, "There's a reason I cry at the drop of a hat?" Definitely worth checking out, and I hope you find the answers you need <3

[lynnenne]

OH MY GOD. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THAT ARTICLE. I've never been diagnosed with ADHD, and I'm not sure whether I have it, but "Rejection Sensitivity Disorder" has been ME MY WHOLE LIFE. Every episode of depression I've ever suffered from has been triggered by some sort of rejection. I'm talking to my doc about this immediately.

[soc_puppet]

Yeah, the more I read, the more the absolute ADHD connection seems shaky at best. A strong correlation I'll grant, but 100% overlap seems iffy. (That said, ADHD typically manifests differently and later in life for AFAB people than AMAB people, so if this post describes your experiences with deadlines, it might be worth a look.)

BUT YES, I am entirely with you on the general "There's a name for it!" sentiment. Finally, there's a reason that I cry over screwups, and it's not "I'm a failure at dealing with emotions" (which, naturally, forms a horrifying feedback loop into RSD).

I hope you can find something that helps! Though, speaking for myself, just knowing that it's A Thing already helps immensely :)