How ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity Can Affect Your Relationships

Starting a new relationship comes with the risk of rejection. We understand that part of putting yourself out there and forming a new attachment poses the possibility of hurt or heartbreak, and we often remain attentive to possible signs of rejection in the beginning. 

However, if you never move past that stage of remaining on high alert for signs of rejection, even after that relationship has become deep and meaningful, you could be struggling with rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD).

RSD is often associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and it can impact your relationships with friends, co-workers, and romantic partners. 

If you have ADHD and often struggle to hear criticism or misinterpret social cues as perceived rejections, our team at RapidRecovery TMS in Wilmington, North Carolina, wants you to know that it’s a common symptom of ADHD. 

We also want you to know that we’re here to help you work through those intense emotions so you can show up in healthy ways in all your relationships. So, let’s look at how RSD can impact your relationships and how to manage it in this month’s blog. 

RSD misinterprets intent 

When you have an intense fear of rejection, your mind has a tendency to see the possibility of rejection everywhere. 

Because of that, it becomes incredibly easy to misinterpret innocent comments and behaviors as rejection or personal criticisms. Being highly sensitive to perceived rejection often leads to unnecessary relational conflicts. 

The best way to counter this is with direct and open communication. While it may be harder in early relationship stages, asking clarifying questions with people you trust can add important details and clear up misunderstandings. 

Comparing your interpretation with their intended meaning can be a powerful antidote to perceived rejection. 

RSD leads to emotional intensity 

When you’re already on the lookout for rejection, your body is on high alert and remains in a state of “fight-or-flight.” Having heightened emotions regularly can lead to escalated emotional outbursts over slight disagreements. 

To counter these magnified emotional responses, it’s important to be in tune with your body and practice mindfulness. 

When you notice yourself reacting to a stressor, begin by taking a mental pause. Tune into your body by taking some deep breaths and noticing what’s going on inside, including thoughts and physical sensations. 

Be curious about your feelings and your circumstances, thinking about them from different angles. Finally, decide what the best course of action is for you and the situation. 

RSD impacts self-esteem

If you’ve repeatedly experienced rejection and constantly fear it, your self-esteem can deplete significantly. 

As a result, you may often accept unhealthy relationship dynamics or seek a romantic partner who validates your identity. It can also lead to other unhealthy relationship patterns, such as overcompensation, power struggles, and loss of authenticity, to avoid more rejection. 

There are several things you can do to manage poor self-esteem and subsequent behaviors. The first step is to do some personal work in therapy to discover your own inherent worth and identify negative thought patterns that surround self-worth and self-acceptance. 

You also need to be open in your relationships about insecurities and past rejections to encourage trust and safety. Practicing boundaries and self-care also promotes healthier relationship dynamics. 

RSD might require expert care

If navigating relationships while struggling with fear of rejection has left you exhausted and emotionally raw, our team is here to help. We offer a variety of medications and therapy techniques to help you manage your ADHD and RSD. 

To learn more about how to navigate ADHD, RSD, and relationships, schedule an appointment with our team by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.