Hello I'm New an hear to cope with ADHD/RSD
So as some of us know, is you have a traumatic past while having ADHD, there is a chance you'll with up with RSD on top of that. RSD being (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria). What is that? Some may ask. It's not getting sad over rejection. It is a over reactive anxiety caused by the fear of being rejected by your loved ones. Like family, friends, spouses, extra. This can be brought on by simple moments of someone critiquing you, or expressing something they wish you'd do differently. For other people, they can normally take the critiques. Though people with RSD, may feel an intense sense of anxiety. That some even describe as actual pain, along with overwhelming thoughts and fears triggered by the small harmless interaction. This is RSD, it can be overwhelming and make handling our emotions really hard.
I have RSD, and it can become crippling at times.
I realized something was wrong, a few months back. When my wife started to express to me that she felt like she had to tip toes around my emotions, I didn't get aggressive but I did get overly emotional. And if I thought in the slightest chance she was upset with me, I would instantly fall into panicking and asking if I did something. Which made any situation about comforting me. Which took a huge reality check to realize, we had a deep conversation and it was painful but we got through it together. And I realized I needed help because something was seriously wrong, because it didn't make sense that I would start panicking over small things, thinking it was the end of everything. So I started studying and reaching out. A few months later, I come to learn I have RSD. Where it developed from? Trauma from my psychologically abusive parents, but I recognized that is was my problem to handle. I opened up to my wife about it, and she has been very loving and supporting about everything. Buut, I can't put all my worries and paranoid thoughts into her to set my mind all the time. I can't dump all of that on her, that wouldn't be healthy and would basically put us back at the beginning when we were figuring things out. So I needed to find another outlet, that's when I started searching and found this app. So hello, I have RSD and sometimes it feels like it's suffocating me 💔
Hi @VGreyÂ
I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a challenging experience with RSD. It takes a lot of strength and courage to recognise that something is wrong and to seek help and support. It's great to hear that you've been open with your wife about your struggles and that she has been loving and supportive.
RSD can be incredibly overwhelming and make it difficult to handle our emotions. It's important to remember that you're not alone in this journey. There are resources and support systems available to help you navigate through the challenges of RSD.
Finding another outlet, like this app, is a great step towards finding additional support. It's important to have a space where you can express your worries and thoughts without burdening your loved ones. Remember, taking care of your mental health is crucial, and finding healthy outlets to process your emotions is a positive step forward.
If you haven't already, I would encourage you to consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who specialises in RSD and trauma. They can provide you with the tools and strategies to manage your anxiety and help you navigate through your past trauma.
Please know that you are strong and resilient, and you have the power to overcome the challenges of RSD. Take it one step at a time, and remember to be kind and patient with yourself. You deserve love, understanding, and support. I'm here for you, and I believe in your ability to find healing and peace. 💙