Self Esteem is plainly your satisfaction in yourself. Whether it be low or high, it acts as the gauge to your confidence. As women we all know that this is a fluctuating feeling and there are reasons for that. Then add having a neurological disorder on top of that. Women who have ADHD spend a lot of time trying to mask these feelings but they often consume them. Feeling inadequate when you know you’re trying to be your best is definitely a hit to your self-esteem as a woman. Self Esteem and ADHD go hand and hand because it affects the number one trigger of ADHD which is stress. Luckily there are things we can do to manage them…
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is when you have trauma or fear (often severe) of the feeling of rejection and failure and can happen with or without ADHD. As a woman with ADHD, you are constantly exposed to these feelings because of how your brain is wired. A woman’s mood can change so quickly when they RSD that it is often assumed that that woman has a mood disorder but RSD is not that. You cannot be diagnosed with it but it is an explanation for the feelings experienced.
How Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) Develops in Women
Women with RSD have experienced a lot of negative feedback, harsh punishments, bullying, exclusion, and humiliation early in their lives. Trauma develops in these women because the messages they received about their personality and behavior alters the chemistry of their brain. The feelings of rejection shape the attitude and behaviors of these women and affects their self esteem and confidence. Repeated rejection can lead to eating disorders, self-harm, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies in women. To cope women often avoid social interactions with others because of that extreme fear of rejection.
Symptoms of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
- Random emotional outbursts
- Withdrawal from social environments
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Avoid settings where you may receive criticism
- Low self-esteem and low reflection of self
- Harsh self-talk
- Overthinking past mistakes or memories which reflect the worse parts.
- Responding defensively and constantly feel attacked in relationships
- Rejection feels like a punch in the gut
- People pleasing – censor your own feelings to fit the groups dynamic
Triggers of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
- Rejection of approval
- Rejection of love
- Rejection of respect
- Teasing
- Criticism – constructive or not
- Negative talk
- Self-Criticism
- Failure
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) Treatment
In order to be treated with RSD you have to be diagnosed with it . Guanfacine and Clonidine – ADHD medications – have been shown to a huge impact on the symptoms of RSD. There are some behavioral changes that women can make to deter the symptoms:
- Releasing the shame you feel when rejection happen
- Know that there is a reason for it and that you are not a bad person for experiencing those feelings
- Recognize that what you are experiencing is just an episode and you will not feel like this forever
- Find distractions when you feel it happening
- Find a cognitive behavior therapist – they will be highly skilled in helping you overcome some of the feelings of RSD
We know that RSD severely affects the self-esteem and confidence of women with or without ADHD. To constantly be on guard is a trauma response and that is something women need to be aware of. This is not your fault it is how you are made. You can make changes, deal with your symptoms, and be happy. The first step is being aware so you’re halfway there !
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Citations
Davis, Sarah, and Linda Hill. Women with ADHD: The Complete Guide with Sample Tips & Strategies to Stay Organized, Overcome Distractions, Improve Relationships, Manage Emotions, and Thrive in Life. 2022.
Professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24099-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-rsd. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.
“Self-Esteem Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.