Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, also referred to as RSD, is an intense emotional anguish provoked by the notion of being turned down by others. This arises from the sense of inadequacy in the eyes of others and the failure to meet their expectations. “It’s as if we are engaged in a self-struggle arising from a lack of self-worth. RSD originates from the conviction of being insufficient. RSD is also linked to ADHD and is often profoundly debilitating as it infiltrates all aspects of our existence,” articulated Therapist Dr Lalitaa Suglani as she examined this disorder and expounded on the telltale signs of Rejection Sensitivity Disorder.
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Constant validation: Since we perpetually fear falling short of others’ expectations, we incessantly seek approval and affirmation from others regarding our competence.
Presume unpopularity: We swiftly jump to the conclusion that people do not hold us in high regard. This impels us to engage in actions that can exacerbate a situation or lead to personal embarrassment. This reinforces the sense of rejection.
Severe apprehension: We constantly anticipate rejection, leading to intense anxiety and avoidance of social interactions, as we continually imagine being spurned by others.
Unreasonable anticipations: To consistently align with others’ expectations, we often establish unreasonably lofty goals for ourselves, resulting in mental exhaustion and heightened frustration.
Desire for acceptance: In order to reassure ourselves that we are not facing rejection, we constantly require affirmation and love from others.
Challenges in emotional regulation: With feelings of failure and rejection, our ability to adapt is severely impaired. Instead, we experience prolonged periods of intense negative emotions without the capacity to regulate them.
Avoidance of relationships: We harbor the belief that our true selves are unlikable, which causes us to shy away from forming relationships or making commitments of any kind.
Portrayal of perfection: We perceive ourselves as fundamentally flawed; therefore, we resort to assuming a false persona in order to project an image of flawlessness.
Tapatrisha is a Content Producer with Hindustan Times. She covers stories pertaining to health, relationships, and fashion. …view detail
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