Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is an emotional phenomenon that can make rejection, criticism, or teasing feel overwhelming, often triggering intense physical and emotional responses. As awareness of RSD grows, individuals like Jenna Turnbull and Lauren O’Carroll share their journeys, shedding light on a condition that remains poorly understood yet profoundly impacts lives.
The Weight of Rejection: Personal Stories
Jenna Turnbull, a 36-year-old civil servant from Cardiff, recalls a childhood incident that still resonates deeply with her. At just 11 years old, she faced teasing from her peers about her appearance while waiting to play netball. Although it seems trivial now, the memory remains vivid, causing her physical discomfort even decades later. “It feels like my chest is tightening,” she explains, demonstrating how past slights can manifest in present-day anxiety.
As an adult, Turnbull’s experiences with RSD have escalated. She recalls a moment from six years ago at a pub with friends when a casual remark about her housekeeping triggered shame so intense that it spiralled into obsessive cleaning behaviours — a symptom that later contributed to her diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). “I’ve been known to spend four or five hours cleaning my bathroom,” she admits, illustrating the depth of her response to perceived criticism.
Another vivid example occurred when she made an error in a work email. The subsequent reply from colleagues caused a panic attack, leading her to believe she was suffocating. “I thought I was dying,” she says, highlighting the severity of her emotional responses.
The Intersection of ADHD and RSD
RSD is often discussed in conjunction with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although not formally recognised as a standalone condition, a significant number of individuals with ADHD report experiencing RSD. Dr William Dodson, a psychiatrist based in Denver, has studied this phenomenon extensively. He notes that RSD is characterised by acute emotional responses to perceived rejection that can feel disproportionate to the triggering event. “This is something that is just several orders of magnitude stronger than everyday rejection,” he explains.
Turnbull’s own journey took a pivotal turn when a nurse suggested that her struggles might be linked to RSD, a term she had never encountered before. This discovery helped her begin to understand her experiences and led to her ADHD diagnosis. “Just putting a name to it was the big thing,” she says, expressing the relief that comes with understanding one’s mental health challenges.
Growing Recognition and Support
The recognition of RSD has gained momentum in recent years, particularly with the rise of social media support groups. One Facebook group has amassed over 67,000 members, creating a community for individuals to share their experiences and coping strategies. Furthermore, RSD’s influence has begun to extend into legal realms; a recent case in the UK saw an employee awarded £12,000 after her employer’s comments regarding her RSD were deemed discriminatory.
Despite this progress, misconceptions persist. Many people still dismiss RSD as an excuse for poor emotional regulation, leading to further stigma. Turnbull often encounters scepticism from friends and family, who suggest that everyone experiences rejection. “There is an outlook that invisible ailments can’t be real,” she reflects, indicating a need for greater awareness and understanding.
The Road to Healing
For many, including Turnbull and fellow RSD sufferer Lauren O’Carroll, the journey towards managing RSD is ongoing. O’Carroll, who runs a coaching business to support parents with ADHD, found her own diagnosis of RSD later in life. As a child, she was often labelled “oversensitive,” leading her to internalise shame in response to even minor requests. “I’d take it as a criticism,” she explains, illustrating how deeply ingrained these feelings can be.
Both women have found therapy beneficial in navigating their emotional responses. Turnbull reports significant improvements after 18 months of therapy, learning to identify when her physical symptoms arise and developing strategies to manage them. O’Carroll has also found that therapy helps her to deal with the gut-wrenching feelings associated with perceived rejection.
In contrast, Dr Shyamal Mashru, an adult ADHD specialist, emphasises the importance of a holistic approach, suggesting that emotional responses are often shaped by early life experiences. “They’re going through lots of mini traumas that just keep hammering away at their self-esteem,” he notes, highlighting the interplay between nurture and neurological factors.
Why it Matters
Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is crucial for fostering a more compassionate society. As more individuals share their stories and seek help, it becomes evident that RSD is not merely an emotional response but a complex condition that can significantly affect one’s quality of life. By raising awareness and promoting open discussions about mental health, we can help to destigmatise these invisible challenges, ensuring that those who grapple with RSD receive the support and understanding they need to thrive.
