Does an unanswered text or a small criticism send you into a spiral of “Nobody likes me” or “What’s wrong with me?” Rejection sensitivity can make real—or perceived—rejection feel intensely painful.
Sign up for my free Panic Attacks course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks
In this conversation, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline to explore rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), social anxiety, and ADHD. We share personal experiences with friendship breakups, big emotions, and overthinking—and discuss practical ways to respond when rejection feels overwhelming.
You’ll learn how to:
- Separate what actually happened from the story your mind is telling.
- Take responsibility for your part without blaming yourself for everything.
- Shift from “I’m a terrible person” to “I can learn a new skill.”
- Practice compassionate self-acceptance.
- Use trusted support and healthy distractions to interrupt a shame spiral.
If rejection sensitivity has you replaying conversations, taking things personally, or withdrawing from relationships, this conversation offers tools to help you work through the hurt and stay connected.
www.drSharonSaline.com
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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe
If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.
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