2074: Managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in Your Relationship by Sara Stanizai of Prospect Therapy on RSD & Open Communication
Feb 19, 2024
12:50
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Therapist Sara Stanizai discusses Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) in relationships, emphasizing open communication, empathy, and tailored coping strategies. She provides a guide for partners to navigate RSD challenges, promoting understanding and resilience in neurodiverse relationships.
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Quick takeaways
Recognize RSD as a neurobiological response to avoid mislabeling; prioritize open communication and empathy in relationships.
Develop coping mechanisms like code words and boundaries; seek collaboration and support for managing RSD.
Deep dives
Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is an intense emotional response to perceived rejection or criticism, particularly common among individuals with ADHD or neurodivergent traits. It can manifest as hypersensitivity, fear of abandonment, and emotional volatility. Recognizing RSD as a neurobiological response is crucial to avoid mislabeling it as a character flaw or other conditions. Open communication and empathy are essential for managing RSD in relationships, encouraging honest conversations and active listening. Emphasizing kindness and empathy, rather than trying to fix the problem, can help partners navigate RSD more effectively.
Developing Coping Mechanisms
Coping mechanisms are vital for managing RSD within a relationship. Couples should identify triggers and develop strategies to minimize their impact. This may involve using code words, addressing annoyances in the moment, setting boundaries around privacy and processing time, or taking breaks from discussions. Open communication about emotions and the establishment of coping mechanisms as ground rules can create a sense of security, reduce fear of rejection, and promote emotional well-being.
Seeking Support for RSD
Collaboration and support from each other are crucial for managing RSD in a relationship. Regular check-ins can provide opportunities to share findings and make adjustments. Working with a neurodiversity affirming couples therapist can offer additional benefits. Such therapists provide education, validation, communication enhancement, coping strategies, and focus on building resilience and connection. Seeking professional support from therapists experienced in working with neurodiverse individuals can help navigate RSD with understanding, resilience, and personal growth.
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Episode 2074:
Sara Stanizai's insightful piece on Prospect Therapy delves into the complexities of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) in relationships, underscoring the necessity of open communication, empathy, and tailored coping strategies for managing its impact. She provides a comprehensive guide for partners to navigate RSD's challenges, promoting understanding and resilience within neurodiverse relationships.
"Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is an emotional response to the perception of rejection or criticism, which can be more intense for individuals with ADHD or certain neurodivergent traits."