I Just Learned Why People Are Always Hurting My Feelings And It's Surprisingly Simple

Annie Spratt on Unsplash" />Woman covering her face in despair.I am, to say the very least, a very sensitive person. I always have been. I cry when I’m happy, sad, angry, tired... pretty much every day. I feel things incredibly deeply and while I like this about myself, I will admit it’s debilitating at times.I sometimes worry that my friends and family feel that they have to walk on eggshells around me because the simplest common or action can leave me ruminating for days, wondering what I did wrong, when chances are, I did nothing wrong. It had nothing to do with me.It turns out, this is very common and there’s even a name for it. It’s called ‘rejection sensitivity’ and is closely related to Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, which many people with ADHD experience, according to Relational Psych.What is rejection sensitivity?According to the Neurodevelopmental Empowerment and Strategy Team (NEST) based in Ayrshire, Scotland: “People experiencing rejection sensitivity might feel negative emotions (such as anxiety) before an anticipated rejection, have a strong emotional and behavioural reaction to feelings of rejection (e.g. anger, rage, sadness, anxiety), and even struggle to see neutral interaction as anything but rejection.”This sounds all too familiar.Psychology Today also explains: “Sensitivity to rejection isn’t just “in someone’s head.” Evidence suggests that in people high on this trait, feeling rejected triggers physiological changes, including the fight-or-flight response.“Brain imaging studies have also indicated that when rejection-sensitive individuals see disapproving facial expressions, they show heightened activity in areas of the brain that influence blood pressure, decision-making, and emotions.”How to cope with rejection sensitivityNeurodivergent Insights has a guide to rejection sensitivity on their website, with 7 tips for recovery:Identify your triggersEmbrace radical acceptanceBe compassionate towards yourself Regulate your nervous systemCalm your brain’s fear centreCatch the stories your brain weaves and disengage from themTry journallingIf you feel you need extra support to navigate this, speak to your GP or local mental health team.Help and support:Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email [email protected] Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.Related...I'm A Therapist – Teen Rejection Is Hard. Here's What I Want Parents To KnowI'm A Psychologist – This Is Why Summer Can Be So Hard On Neurodiverse Kids'Leave The Mask At Home': The Neurodivergent Dating Rule I Wish I Knew Sooner

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