#tw rsd

[bl-mitchum]

It’s really bold of me, a neurodivergent who struggles with rejection sensitivity, to want to be a writer— a career path forged entirely by rejection.

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Does the phrase Can we talk?' make you panic?

Future ADHD

[therapeutic007]

Let me start by saying: I know "just go to therapy" is annoying advice. But hear me out.

For years I thought my RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) was just me being "too sensitive" or "broken." A friend doesn't text back? Instant spiral. Boss gives mild feedback? I'm updating my resume at 2 AM. Someone sighs near me? Clearly they hate me and I should disappear.

Turns out, that's not a character flaw — it's a neurobiologically-based emotional reactivity pattern that's super common in ADHD. The shame, the self-doubt, the anticipatory fear of rejection — it's real, it's intense, and it wreaks havoc on relationships, self-concept, and decision-making.

Here's what I didn't know: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is actually evidence-based for this. Not the "just think positive" nonsense — actual structured exercises that help you:

Identify your specific RSD triggers

Catch the cognitive distortions that amplify the emotional pain

Build alternative response strategies so you don't automatically spiral

Develop emotional regulation skills instead of just trying to suppress feelings

The game-changer for me was "Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: A CBT-Based Workbook for Overcoming Rejection Sensitivity, Self-Criticism, and Emotional Reactivity in ADHD" on Amazon.

It's not a fluffy self-help book. It's a structured, sequential workbook that walks you through: challenging distorted automatic thoughts, practicing emotion regulation strategies, developing assertiveness, and — crucially — building self-compassion instead of the brutal self-criticism we ADHD folks are so good at.

The workbook targets the actual maintaining factors: perfectionistic standards, maladaptive approval-seeking, emotional dysregulation, and those core beliefs about personal inadequacy.

TL;DR: RSD in ADHD isn't your fault, but it is something you can work on. CBT gives you actual tools, not platitudes. This workbook is the most practical, no-BS resource I've found. $11.99 on Amazon.

Drop your RSD horror stories below — I know I'm not the only one who's cried over a perceived rejection that wasn't even real. 💙

[biting-miguel-ohara]

Holiday Blues - Wade Wilson x bunny mutant!Reader x Logan Howlett

A/N: *deep breath in; deep breath out* there are so many things about this fic that I despise. I want to put so many disclaimers about bad writing or sloppy endings or heavy angst. But I said I’d post it if there was interest so here we are. However, THIS IS NOT MY BEST WORK!!! I really just wrote it as a way to channel my anxiety, so if it’s shitty or just bad I won’t be surprised

No taglist for this one

Reader is vaguely implied to be ftm trans during one paragraph of the fic. But it also can be read as a cis male!Reader too

There are a lot of internalized feelings in this, some toxic masculinity, and other uncomfy things. Please read all the warnings and take them seriously before reading

Also, very important. While it’s never directly stated in the fic, I wrote this Reader based off my experiences with RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria). However, there’s a lot more going on with me than just that, so I do have to say this is only indicative of my experiences, not experiences with this as a whole. Other things may have crept in as well, simply by the nature of basing this off of me

CW: Reader is dating both Logan and Wade; Reader loves the holidays; Reader comes from a family with holiday traditions; Logan comes off as a bit rude, but it’s for reasons I don’t elaborate on; Reader is a bunny mutant; Reader is sensitive to rejection; Reader spirals fast in this; angst; anxiety; panic; hiding; Reader is hit with a lot of emotions all at once; negative thought spirals; internalized emotions; toxic masculinity moments; crying; humiliation; shame; guilt; Reader’s family is mentioned as a guilt trip; comfort seeking; more shame; there’s lots of shame in this one; prey instincts contributing to the negativity; hugging; comfort; problems are not addressed; Reader bounces back fast; Wade gets Reader’s brain; Wade has implied mental health issues as well; soft moments; quick ending; mild allusions to sexy things; god this reads so bad; okay, here are my disclaimers: bad writing, vent writing, fast-paced writing, sudden ending, and highly-charged emotional states from the Reader

1641 words

It’s no secret among your boyfriends that you love the holidays. Any chance you can get you’re constantly hanging up decorations, planning parties, and preparing food,

It’s some of the few times a year you truly come alive when doing something. It’s your time of the year. Holidays have always been your thing.

It’s tradition, from growing up in your burrow. Everyone would help out, making the holidays a time of family fun and chaos and celebration.

So when you come home to Wade decorating your apartment, you immediately want to help. You’ve barely taken off your sweater before you’re bouncing up to him. “What can I do?”

He gives you a grin, gesturing to the kitchen. “Ask Wolvie. He’s been baking all day.”

It both excites and confuses you. You’re not hosting any parties or going to an event today. So what’s going on?

Still, you head into the kitchen. Logan’s working on a pie, carefully making a beautiful lattice of crust on top.

You place a kiss on his cheek. “Can I help?”

“Ask Wade.”

His answer is short. Quick. To the point. Almost brusque even. You know he’s just concentrating, but it still makes you falter. “Um… alright.”

You head back to Wade, but he just gives you a shrug. “Sorry, handsome, but I think we got it.”

You stand there for a moment before nodding and heading into the bedroom.

You sit on the bed, staring at your hands. Normally, you’d just brush off their responses and find something else to do. But it’s the holidays. You’re supposed to be out there helping.

Their rejection of your help hurts more than you care to admit.

But it’s stupid. It’s just decorations and food. They’ve got it all covered.

You try to tell yourself that, but the hurt still wells up in your chest. You can feel it rising, making your breathing quicken. You grip one of your bunny ears, stroking it in an attempt to calm yourself down. It’s what Wade always does.

Maybe you did something to offend them? Or maybe they were trying to surprise you and you ruined it by coming home early?

You try to think of anything and everything as a reason for their dismissals. It has to be something. It has to be.

Anxiety spikes in your chest and you burrow under the covers. It feels comforting, like you’re back in your home warren for a moment. You curl into a ball, tucking your knees to your chest.

You count your breaths, struggling to slow the beat of your heart. But it’s no real use. The wave of emotions is already here. It crashes into you, drowning you in reasons why and what you did wrong. Over and over, your thoughts spiral.

Your eyes prickle, but you refuse to cry. The only thing worse than feeling like this is having Wade and Logan think you’re dumb for it. You’re a man. You can handle it.

You press your palms to your eyes, but the wetness still seeps out. You can handle it. You can handle it. You can handle it.

You don’t sob. Thankfully. You just cry in silence. Stuttered breaths in and out. In and out. It feels humiliating. You, crying while your boyfriends decorate.

You should be better than this. You should be better than this now. What would your family think if they saw you crying instead of celebrating?

That thought only adds to the shame in your chest and you scrunch up even tighter. You’re not some dumb flopsy bunny anymore. You’re a rabbit. A man. Crying is for flopsy bunnies.

The thoughts continue. Eventually, your silent crying turns to soft hiccups. Your tears dry up, leaving your eyes puffy and itchy.

You don’t get up until you hear the timer ringing in the kitchen. Logan’s pie is done. You can smell it. Apple. Your favorite.

Slowly, you uncurl yourself. You crawl out from beneath the blankets. You change into a pair of boxers and one of Wade’s sweaters. Your comfort outfit. You know it’ll be a tell that something’s wrong, but you need the safety of the fabric.

You open the door to the bedroom and shuffle out. No Wade. You hear him in the kitchen.

You take a moment to use the bathroom. To stare dully at your reflection in the mirror and splash water on your face to try and reduce the puffiness. It… sort of works.

Wade’s knock on the door has you startling. “Oh, bunny boy! Dinner’s ready!”

You flinch, curling into yourself a little. They’re gonna know you were crying. They’re gonna know you were upset over something so stupid. They’re gonna think you’re dumb.

You’re shaking as you open the door. You know it’s your prey instincts. Programmed to carry you away, to keep you safe from any harm. But that doesn’t make it feel any better.

Wade blinks at you as you emerge. His whole body seems to soften. “Hey… What’s wrong?”

He’s always so soft with you whenever you’re upset. Occasionally silly, but so soft. Sometimes you love it. Right now it just makes the pit of guilt in your chest bigger.

“Nothing…” you mumble.

He frowns, but pulls you into a hug. It helps. It loosens the ball of shame, slowly soothing it apart. You take a deep breath and hug him back.

“Everything alright?” Logan, from the kitchen doorway.

You think Wade gives him a look, or maybe he just picks up on the clothes you’re wearing. Either way, you’re enfolded in another set of arms.

“Hey, bunny. What’s wrong?” Logan’s often gentle too. It helps you relax the last bit of the way, the knot in your chest finally unraveling.

“Just… my brain…” You’re now more embarrassed than anything. Why would they think you’re dumb? They’ve always been understanding and loving, especially with you.

Wade strokes one of your bunny ears, the action immediately calming your frayed emotions. Bringing back your peace of mind. “Being a bully again, huh?”

You nod.

Logan rubs your back, his touch gentler than normal. “Was it something we said?”

Damn his perceptiveness. You were hoping to get out of this without an explanation.

You sigh and rest your forehead on Wade’s shoulder. “I just… I wanna help too…”

There’s a moment of silence, then Wade hums. “You can wrap the gift I got Wolvie. It was supposed to be a surprise, but it’s the last thing to do.”

It’s almost embarrassing how quickly your entire self perks up at the idea. You grin, already straightening up. “You mean it? I can help?”

Logan chuckles while Wade matches your grin. “Absolutely, handsome! But first…”

He takes your hands and gives them a squeeze. “Let’s eat. You’ll feel much better once you have food in you. The surprise can wait for later.”

Logan agrees and you give in quickly.

Dinner goes by fast and soon you’re in the bedroom again, this time with a box and gift wrap in your hands. You focus on wrapping the present as Wade sits on the bed. Logan’s busy with food clean up, bustling away in the kitchen.

“We'll always love you,” Wade says, startling you from your task. You look up at him. “What?”

“Whatever your brain says while you’re upset. It’s not true.” He looks at you intently. “We love you.”

You swallow and look down. With anyone else, you’d protest. But you know him. You know him. He’s speaking more than just to comfort you right now.

“I love you too,” you say quietly. “Even on your bad days, I love you too.”

His shoulders relax but his gaze stays on you. He doesn’t say anything more though. He just watches you. It’s a little intimidating, but you let him.

You finish wrapping the box and place a nice big bow on the top. “Done.”

Wade smiles. His expression soft once more. It relieves a burden off your shoulders in some way. Some lingering guilt or whatever weighing you down.

You love him. He loves you. He doesn’t have to say it for you to know he gets your mind almost as well as you do. He struggles with his brain too.

You hold out the box to him, a silent acknowledgment of each other in the air. He takes it, leaning in to press a kiss to your forehead. “You’re adorable in my sweater, you know that?”

It pulls a laugh out of you, lightening the air. “Yeah. I know. Why do you think I wear it all the time?”

He smiles. “Careful, buns. You know how your sassiness gets me going.”

You roll your eyes and grin. “Yeah, yeah.”

You eye the wrapped box in his hands, a spark of curiosity in your mind. “What’s in there anyway? And what’re we celebrating in the first place?”

Wade smirks. “We’re celebrating us. And this?” He shakes the box a little. “This is for later. Consider it my gift to you and Wolvie.”

Celebrating us. The idea warms you like nothing else. Nothing else seems to matter except that. They planned a small thing just to celebrate you and them.

You lean in and kiss Wade. “Thank you. For all of it.”

He softens despite himself, his smile turning warm. “Hey, don’t thank me yet. Wolvie still hasn’t opened his gift yet. Thank me then.”

But he seems to understand. For a moment. Before he smacks your ass lightly and points towards the kitchen. “Let’s go, buns. The Readers and Wolvie can’t wait for the ending forever.”

You blink, but don’t question his words. He’ll explain eventually. For now, you’re just ready to enjoy some pie and find out what’s in Wade’s gift.

After all, knowing him, it’s probably something raunchy. And you could do with something a little stronger than cuddles.

[therpistlr]

🌻 RSD in ADHD Relationships: Your Feels Are Valid (And Manageable!) 🌻

Hey sweet neurospicy beans! ✨ Let's talk about that thing – the Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) monster that loves to crash-date-night like an uninvited troll. 🧌💔 You know the drill:

One vague text? "They hate me."

Partner seems quiet? "I ruined everything."

Small disagreement? Full emotional hurricane. 🌪️

It’s not "just" overreacting. It’s your ADHD brain’s alarm system going CODE RED over perceived rejection. And in relationships? It. Feels. Crushing.

But here’s the hopeful hug you need: You can tame the RSD beast and build safer, calmer connections! 💕 Two superhero tools can help:

Gradual Behavioral Activation (aka Baby Steps!): 🐣 Instead of diving into the deep end of vulnerability (RSD’s favorite drowning pool!), you practice tiny, manageable exposures. Examples:

Sending a slightly risky text ("I miss you!") and sitting with the anxiety for 5 mins.

Asking for a small need ("Can we cuddle?") without pre-apologizing.

Celebrating doing the thing, not just the outcome! 🎉 → Slowly rewires your brain: "Vulnerability ≠ Certain Doom."

CBT (Catching Those Sneaky Thoughts!): 🕵️♀️💭 CBT helps you spot the RSD lies in real-time:

"They're quiet = They hate me" ➡️ "What's another explanation? (Maybe they're tired!)"

"I messed up = I'm unlovable" ➡️ "What's the evidence? (They said they loved me yesterday!)" → Challenges the doom spiral & builds realistic self-talk.

Need a roadmap? This workbook is pure gold for navigating RSD in love: 📚 The Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook for Relationships Why it’s awesome:

Practical exercises for gradual exposure & CBT reframing

ADHD-friendly explanations (no jargon overload!)

Focused on communication skills & repairing after RSD moments

Helps you build self-compassion (you deserve it!) 💖

Remember, friend: Progress isn't linear. Some days the RSD fog feels thick. Other days? You’ll text first and not panic! 🌈 Be gentle with yourself. You're learning a new language (Neurotypical-ish is hard!).

You are worthy of love, even when your brain screams otherwise. Start small. Breathe. Use the tools. You've got this. 💪

[kibbychan]

we got to talk about rsd more.

for those who dont know, rsd, or rejection sensitive dysphoria is a neurodivergent symptom, in which any sense of perceived criticism can cause overwhelming negative thoughts and emotions. key word is perceived, because neurodivergent people can't perceive alot of social cues, it often happens completely unintentionally. so most of the time, it isn't really anyones fault, but really, what i wanna talk about is just how visceral and unexpected it can all feel.

i knew i had it for a while, but last year really was the year in which i felt it the most frequently. and in so many different areas too. friends talk to other people? they must be tired of me and i shouldn't disturb them. i get less likes on a post than i was expecting? that means that the world hates me and i need to retreat. made a comment that made someone feel negatively? oh god they must hate me, they shouldnt have to put up with me. that kind of thinking is everywhere with rsd, and its caused me to retreat socially in alot of cases. and the feeling of pain doesn't go away, it sticks with you for hours and possibly days. and beyond the short term affects, long term its also damaging, i've definitely become a people pleasure thanks to rsd, making sure to keep my feelings inside to not cause conflict.

i think the worst moment i had with rsd last year though was something in which, I was the problem. I was working with some people on a project, and working long hours on this project really made me tired mentally. but beyond that i was someone who was neurodivergent and had trouble communicating and understanding people. so what happened was there were moments where i needed help understanding completely or just had to speak up for myself, maybe even curious about how things worked, and i was repeatedly shut down, alot of the times yelled at for needing that extra help and understanding. and because i wanted the project to succeed and i didn't want people to have any further issues, i just followed along and left all of my feelings inside. it made people less emotional for sure and made the project succeed, but it left me emotionally fucked up. i felt like reaching out to others would hurt me rather than help me. it made me never wanna work with anyone ever again in fear that i could hurt them.

and i don't blame anyone for being mad at me really! people have their own issues outside of talking and working, and it just comes out. but dammit, i just wish people could be kinder and be more understanding when i fuck up. so if you know someone who is neurodivergent. please give them grace when they mess up. i mean you should in general, but for neurodivergent people it can feel like the end of the world. and for neurodivergent people, please be kind to yourself, its hard to exist let alone thrive, and every day is always going to present a struggle socially. just know that it really isn't your fault, things are just hard.

[quintessenceofdust88]

🙃🙃🙃 I hate RSD soooooo much 🙃🙃🙃

[jahaliel]

sometimes i wonder what life would be like without the constant pressure of the rejection sensitive dysphoria - the abuse of a childhood demanding perfectionism and a cult claiming self-worth was selfishness and probably a bit of good ol' adhd in there just for fun and giggles results in my brain constantly struggling to even consider that i'm actually any good at anything i know it hurts my friends when i don't believe them when they say i'm pretty and clever and a good writer - i can agree with that last one now, i'm working on myself but some days somedays are just hard and i wish i could get a lil reassurance that people enjoy the stuff i'm not confident about sharing as much as they enjoy the poems and whatnot