| Wellness
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💡 TLDR
Spill the tea because Paris Hilton just spilled the tea on her own mental health journey—and it’s wild. The 44-year-old opened up about how rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) feels like a demon in …
Spill the tea because Paris Hilton just spilled the tea on her own mental health journey—and it’s wild. The 44-year-old opened up about how rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) feels like a demon in your head screaming negative self-talk, turning even a passive “maybe” into a full-blown panic attack. “It’s like physical pain, even when it’s not real,” she said. Yeah, we get it. For people with RSD, social rejection isn’t just awkward—it’s a full-body meltdown.
So what’s the deal with RSD? Basically, your brain is hyper-focused on every social cue, and any hint of rejection feels like a punch to the gut. Dr. Gail Saltz explains it’s not in the DSM-5, but it’s real for people with ADHD, which Hilton was diagnosed with in her late 20s. “You hyper-focus on a moment and get dialed in to your feelings,” says Dr. Gallagher. That’s why a text that’s late or a “maybe” response feels like a death sentence. It’s not just fear—it’s a full-blown shame spiral where one rejection triggers a flood of “I’m unlovable” thoughts.
The symptoms? You’re basically living in a constant state of anxiety. “Fear, shame, nausea, exhaustion—these are all real,” says Dr. Barbara Sandland. And it’s not just about being rejected; it’s about feeling rejected. Even a rushed “hi” or a delayed reply can trigger a meltdown. It’s like your brain is stuck in a loop of “I’m not good enough,” making every social interaction a minefield.
If you’re hyper-aware of every social cue, you might be dealing with RSD. It’s not just a fear of rejection—it’s like your brain is on constant alert for any sign of being rejected, even if it’s not real. And while it’s linked to ADHD, it can exist on its own too. The good news? Therapy can help. “You learn to reframe rejection as a normal part of life, not a personal attack,” says Dr. Gallagher. It’s about tolerating discomfort without spiraling into self-loathing.
💫 So, if you’ve ever felt like the world’s rejecting you when no one actually is, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: Are you dealing with RSD, or just a normal human being.
So, if you’ve ever felt like the world’s rejecting you when no one actually is, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: Are you dealing with RSD, or just a normal human being? 💬
❓ People Also Ask
What condition is linked to intense fear of rejection?
Intense fear of rejection is common in social anxiety disorder. People with this condition avoid social situations due to fear of being judged or rejected.
Can fear of rejection be a symptom of another mental health issue?
Yes, fear of rejection can also be a symptom of depression or personality disorders. It often affects social interactions and daily functioning.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇