Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria - Is this the reason why "You're too sensitive?"

RSD Impacts many neurodiverse folks, but is often misunderstood by family & loved ones.

If you type #RSD into most social media toolbars and you'll come across a real phenomenon that impacts many people in the neurodiverse community every single day.

RSD, or Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, is an incredibly painful—and at times, debilitating—internal experience triggered by a real or perceived criticism or rejection.

It is often completely misunderstood by those outside this experience. Commonly, the person going through it may be labelled as "too sensitive."

The feeling of RSD comes in many different shapes and forms, but overall, it could be described as a flood of internal emotional overwhelm or frustration in response to an obvious—or not so obvious trigger.

For example, many neurodiverse individuals are highly attuned to their environment. Even the slightest change in tone of voice or facial expression can be enough to trigger this internalised volcano of emotion. More overt triggers might include direct feedback on work or behaviour, negative commentary, or exclusion from social situations.

Any of the above can cause a person who experiences RSD to enter a heightened state of worry or hypervigilance, along with a set of ruminating thought spirals that are difficult to calm.

Hours—or even days—can pass before the emotional storm settles. During that time, RSD can have a serious impact on wellbeing, work, and family dynamics.

The good news is that there are ways to manage the RSD storm. People affected by it can learn how to sit with uncomfortable emotions and help them pass more quickly.

The first step is education: understanding what RSD is, why it occurs—particularly within the neurodiverse community—and what practical steps can be taken when it begins to rise.

You don’t have to face RSD alone. You just need to know what it is—and how to manage it a bit better.

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If you are interested in a more, deep dive into RSD and how it might be affecting you, someone in your family or community you can purchase our webinar on the topic with our clinical psychologist Amelia Read here!