Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and its Link to ADHD in Midlife Women

Many women especially those that are undergoing significant emotional life changes, may find themselves grappling with deep feelings of rejection and a desire to isolate. These feelings, often unrecognized, could be symptoms of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), particularly prevalent in individuals with ADHD. 

RSD is closely linked to unaddressed past trauma. These memories, though buried in the unconscious, continue to exert a strong emotional impact, keeping individuals in a state of deep sensitivity that affects various aspects of their lives.

Rejection sensitivity dysphoria can stem from childhood traumas, where feelings of abandonment, being unloved, unliked, criticized, compared, bullied, shamed and often unsafe, could have once trigger a sense of rejection that persists into adulthood. Even when the memories have faded, the sense of rejection can evoke profound emotions and behaviors that can go way back into your past. Some individuals with ADHD may respond with anger, while others may experience feelings of unworthiness, shame, and a strong urge to retreat or build emotional walls. 

If ADHD and rejection sensitivity patters run in your family, you may well have learned to follow your caregivers responses, even that is a pattern that can be dissolved when addressed.

For some, there may be a tendency to engage in people-pleasing behaviors, seeking validation and acceptance to counteract perceived rejection. Even minor actions or comments that could be interpreted as rejection may trigger a flood of old wounds and cause the individual to react from a place of deep emotional vulnerability. Understanding the connection between RSD and ADHD can help midlife women recognize and address these underlying issues, paving the way for healing and personal growth.

It’s crucial for midlife women experiencing these intense emotions to understand that they are not alone. Many may have lived their lives feeling different or out of place, not realizing that these feelings could be linked to ADHD. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, can profoundly impact daily life, relationships, and self-esteem. 

Recognizing this and these patterns can be a profound first step to significant change. Seeking help can lead to a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery, empowering women to navigate their emotions with greater understanding and compassion. 

If you are ready to explore the possibilities of life with easily managed or even no RSD within one to three sessions of advanced rapid hypnosis, click the link below and contact Stacey for a free zoom chat.