By foggy.brain 
Uncovering the Root Causes of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is important to start the healing process. RSD is a type of emotional sensitivity in which individuals feel an intense, overwhelming and disproportionate emotional response to perceived rejection or criticism. This emotional reaction happens by a variety of real or perceived slights, including criticism, social exclusion, and failure.
Causes
The exact cause of rejection sensitive dysphoria is not known. Research suggests that it may be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.
Some research suggests that RSD may be related to an overactive amygdala. This is a region of the brain that is involved in processing emotions, especially fear and anxiety.
Other studies suggest that RSD may be related to low levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. This plays a role in regulating emotions and motivation.
It may also be related to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Additionally, environmental factors such as childhood experiences, trauma, and cultural or societal expectations can also contribute to the development of RSD.
Environmental factors
In this blog we will focus on environmental factors. It is my personal believe that if we can understand the underlying cause we can possibly reflect on its roots and rewire our thinking to find relief. Childhood neglect and abuse being the primary factor, it can be experienced in many forms.
Childhood neglect and abuse
These types of trauma can contribute to the development of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) by creating a strong emotional vulnerability to rejection, criticism, and perceived abandonment. People who have experienced this type of emotional trauma may be more likely to develop RSD. As a result of past traumas or in response to similar types of experiences in the present. This emotional vulnerability can lead to a heightened sensitivity to perceived rejections and criticism, which can trigger intense emotional distress, including feelings of shame, anger, sadness, and anxiety.
Childhood neglect and abuse can have a profound impact on an individual’s emotional development, including their ability to cope with rejection. Studies have shown that childhood trauma, such as neglect, can lead to changes in brain structure and function that increase the likelihood of developing anxiety and depression later in life. This can also result in a heightened sensitivity to rejection, leading to the development of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD).
Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide for or meet a child’s basic physical, emotional, educational, and medical needs. Parents or caregivers that leave a child in the care of a person who is known to be abusive, or they leave a young child unattended. There are many forms of neglect, two to consider in this case:
- In physical neglect, parents or caregivers may fail to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, and protection from potential harm.
- In emotional neglect, parents or caregivers may fail to provide affection or love or other kinds of emotional support. Children that are ignored or rejected or prevented from interacting with other children or adults.
Neglect differs from abuse in that often parents and caregivers do not intentionally mean to harm children in their care.
Physical abuse
Physically mistreating or harming a child, including inflicting excessive physical punishment, is physical abuse. Specific examples include shaking, dropping, striking, biting, and burning (for example, by scalding or touching with cigarettes).
Physical abuse is often triggered by a crisis in the midst of other stresses. A crisis may be a loss of a job, a death in the family, or a discipline problem. Parents who have a substance use disorder may behave impulsively and uncontrollably toward their children. Children whose parents have mental health problems are also at increased risk of being abused.
Parents who were neglected or abused as children may not be emotionally mature or may have low self-esteem. Abusive parents may see their children as a source of unlimited and unconditional affection and look to them for the support that they never received. As a result, they may have unrealistic expectations of what their children can provide for them. They may become frustrated easily and have poor impulse control, and they may be unable to give what they never received.
Emotional abuse
Using words or actions to psychologically mistreat a child is emotional abuse. Emotional abuse makes children feel that they are worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, in danger, or valuable only when they meet another person’s needs. It includes:
- Harshly scolding by yelling or screaming
- Belittling the child’s abilities and accomplishments
- Encouraging deviant or criminal behavior, such as committing crimes or using alcohol or drugs
- Bullying, threatening, or frightening the child
Research has shown that childhood neglect and abuse can increase the likelihood of developing RSD.
It is important for individuals with a history of childhood neglect and abuse to receive appropriate support and treatment for their mental health concerns. Psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, and medication may all be helpful in reducing the symptoms of RSD and helping individuals to develop healthier coping strategies.
Tips
Childhood neglect and abuse can have lasting and damaging effects on a person’s mental health and wellbeing. However, there are treatments and strategies that can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall functioning. Some common approaches include:
- Therapy: Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or trauma-focused therapy, can help an individual process and heal from past experiences.
- Medication: Antidepressants, anxiety medications, and other psychiatric medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms related to childhood neglect and abuse.
- Support groups: Joining a support group can provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who have similar experiences.
- Lifestyle changes: Improving sleep habits, engaging in physical activity, and adopting healthy eating habits can help improve overall wellbeing.
- Self-care: Engaging in self-care activities such as mindfulness, yoga, or creative pursuits can help reduce stress and improve mood.
It’s important to keep in mind that healing from childhood neglect and abuse can be a long-term process. It may require seeking support from multiple sources, including healthcare professionals, family members, and friends.