Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is intense emotional and physical pain triggered by perceived criticism or dismissal. For ADHD women, RSD is a nervous system response, not a personality trait.

What RSD Feels Like

You may feel throat tightness, chest pressure, sudden tears, shutdown, replaying conversations, panic after sending a text, or an urge to withdraw. RSD feels physical because social pain is processed like physical pain.

Why ADHD Women Experience RSD

It is shaped by sensitive nervous systems, years of misunderstanding, chronic masking, perfection expectations, emotional punishment, and trauma around “being too much.”

Your system learned to scan for rejection to stay safe.

What Most People Misunderstand

RSD is not immaturity, insecurity, neediness, or overreaction.
It is a fast alarm response.

What Helps

1. Identify cues

Mind going blank, throat tightening, stomach sinking, urge to apologize.

2. Slow the story

Ask: “What did I assume?” “What do I know for sure?” “Is this about the present or the past?”

3. Use steady self-talk

“My body thinks I am unsafe.”
“This is intense and temporary.”
“I can pause before responding.”

The Flourish Way

Flourish treats RSD as a nervous system event that becomes manageable when shame is removed.

Want to explore more?

Flourish has a full workbook available.