49: ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), Part 2: How to Reduce and Even Eliminate Its Symptoms

Feb 2

Our podcast on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria or RSD (Ep. 19) is among our most downloaded episodes. Members of ours also continue to post about RSD. Since it’s such a popular topic, I wanted to close the loop on RSD with the optimism that you have come to me. I do not feel that I delivered that in Episode #19. Since recording that first episode on RSD, I’ve discovered that there’s actually a lot you can do to reduce and even eliminate symptoms of RSD and that’s what this episode is all about.

Here we discuss: The Cliff Notes version of what RSD is (If you haven’t listened to Episode #19, you can do that ) How RSD and social phobia differ How RSD and bipolar disorder differ The reason why those of us with ADHD and RSD tend to have low frustration tolerance, less patience, and more difficulty with temper and excitability than those without the conditions What flooding is Join us as we discuss what women with RSD have done to reduce and even eliminate their symptoms? This includes: Learning about their ADHD and RSD Medication A change of environment Discussion of the new term VAST The importance of choosing your Gold Star people and resources The three things that will always help to motivate those with RSD What it means to be an amplifier The importance of acknowledging your creativity How planning ahead prior to an RSD episode can help to reduce and even eliminate symptoms The importance of “taking the emotion” out of it and considering other perspectives that may be more accurate than what we can see when our RSD flares up Why you need to continue to trust your own intuition Tracy’s suggestions on RSD, ADHD, and dating.

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Quotes:

"I only want you to date when you're on solid, emotional ground. If you're not, you need to pass dating up." 
-  Tracy Otsuka

"Trust yourself, trust your own instincts, trust your own intuition, your judgment, it's not bad. It's only suspect when your RSD is flaring up."
-  Tracy Otsuka

"The worst part of RST is your overreaction RST is you're already really active mine in complete overdrive. So what you need to do is you need to make a plan in advance of that."
-  Tracy Otsuka

[00:00 - 24:33] ADHD and RSD Management 

  • Tracy discusses RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria), a condition where individuals experience extreme emotional pain due to perceived or real rejection, leading to people-pleasing, perfectionism, and social withdrawal.
  • Tracy explains how RSD can be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder due to similarities in emotional flares.
  • Tracy emphasizes the importance of creativity for individuals with ADHD, regardless of their profession or field of work.

[24:33 - 21:50] Managing Oversensitivity and Misunderstandings

  • Tracy shares her experiences with RSD and how she's learned to manage it through writing letters and taking care of herself.
  • Tracy emphasizes the importance of self-care and prioritizing well-being to reduce RSD symptoms.
  • Tracy emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and intuition when dealing with ADHD and RSD.

[32:36 - 40:35] ADHD, RSD, and Dating Tips

  • Tracy advises on dating with RSD: prioritize emotional ground, slow down, and seek shared values.
  • Tracy encourages listeners to leave reviews on Apple podcasts or Spotify to help change lives one woman at a time.
  • Tracy invites listeners to share their comments, guest suggestions, or topic ideas for the podcast through her website or email.





Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.


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EPISODE #49
Resources:
I have created the Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) Protocol for ADHD as a resource for you. When we have a plan, we’re less reactionary and more successful in managing not only our RSD but also our ADHD. You may download it: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Symptom Test for ADHD Brains Take the RSD Symptoms Test here.


Hi, I'm Tracy

I teach Smart Ass ADHD women how to use their brilliant brains to build the life they want by embracing their too-muchness and focusing on their strengths.