RSD REJECTION
The excerpt presents three short vignettes (Stories 4‑6) from Heather Lowry’s ADHD Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) toolbox. Each vignette follows a ‘Then / Now’ format, showing how specific childhood experiences—repeated social exclusion, harsh or overly critical feedback, and conditional approval from caregivers—create internalized beliefs (e.g., “I’m not wanted,” “Criticism equals failure,” “Love must be earned”). These beliefs prime adults with ADHD to react to everyday social triggers (group selfies, constructive workplace feedback, delayed replies) with intense shame, self‑doubt, and fear of losing connection, illustrating the persistent impact of early relational wounds on RSD symptoms.
Topics
Repeated Social Exclusions: From Missed Childhood Invitations to Group Photo Triggers
Describes how being left out of sleepovers or outings in childhood creates a belief of being unwanted, which later causes a sinking feeling when seeing group selfies or social media posts that exclude the adult.
Harsh Critical Feedback: From Teen Coach Criticism to Workplace Shame
Shows how frequent sharp criticism during adolescence teaches that mistakes equal personal failure, leading to disproportionate shame and self‑doubt when receiving even constructive feedback at work.
Conditional Caregiver Approval: From Earned Love to Relationship Anxiety
Explains how love and praise tied to performance in childhood instills the belief that affection must be earned, causing anxiety and feelings of failure when friends or partners are perceived as distant or slow to respond.