How Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Can Effect Emotional Regulation
It’s just too much…
For neurodivergent individuals, emotional regulation can already be difficult, and if they have characteristics of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) it can be made that much harder. RSD can make situations that are already inducing a lot of emotions for children, teens, and young adults harder to manage. This is because they can feel “significantly heightened intense negative feelings, and severe emotional pain that is difficult to control.” (Bhandari, 2023). Being unable to control such intense emotions can then cause them to become violent both physically and verbally and begin exhibiting avoidance behaviors, whether it be from socializing or completing tasks, because they fear they cannot control the feelings that come with rejection.
If students are unable to regulate the emotions that come with RSD, then school, home, and overall life can become isolated and lonely. They may not want to attempt to make friends because they cannot control their anxiety or may struggle to nurture their friendships because they cannot regulate the anger that comes with RSD if they feel rejected by that specific peer. The inability to regulate emotions can also affect their school life as well. Avoiding doing homework because they are too stressed out about the idea of it being wrong can cause them to fall behind, which is why it is so important that they learn skills needed for emotional regulation so they can manage their RSD, and The Support for Students Growth Center can help them develop those skills.
At SSGC, we provide the social, behavioral, educational, emotional, and executive functioning skills children, teens, young adults, and their families need for a happy and successful life in and out of school settings. Our team of professionals offers individualized and family coaching/counseling and social skills groups to help teach skills such as how to manage characteristics of RSD to ensure parents do not have to worry that their kids will be unable to make and maintain a wonderful life on their own. So, if your child is struggling with skills like the ones listed above and much more, the SSGC is equipped with the experience and tools to help.
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Dr. Eric J. Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D.C., is a Developmental and Behavioral Specialist who specializes in Autism, ADHD and related disorders. Dr. Nach is the founder of the Support for Students Growth Center and College Life Skills Program where he and his team of professional’s help develop the Emotional Maturity, Executive Functioning, Life Skill and Social Abilities of children, teens, young adults and college students and those high school students preparing for college.
WebMD. (n.d.). Rejection sensitive dysphoria: Causes and treatment. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria
