This episode is called "Emotional Sunburn", and it focuses on how for many of us, the understanding that rejection has nothing to do with us and can serve to support us on our path, while true, can be a devastating thing for the brains of many of us to process, and we can not only struggle with regulating emotionally but it can really hold us back with taking steps in all areas of life.
While not an official diagnosis (DSM, etc.) it is recognized by many as a neruodivergent symptom known as rejection sensitivity dysmorphia (RSD), in particular with ADHD. It can also be seen as connected to CPTSD as well. Please not that while there are still clearly things that science and medicine have yet to make consistent links with for multiple reasons, what is clear that a number of us are afflicted with this and just for knowing that we aren't the only ones, let's talk about it. Maybe knowing that this is a real thing can help us to know what is going on in the moment and give us just enough to realize that what is happening is something we need to allow to pass rather than react from in the moment. From there, it's information and possibilities that we need to explore further, through research and also through connecting with our medical and mental health professionals to understand our own unique situations.
Resources:
Living with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Is My Trauma Response RSD, C-PTSD or Both
Emotional sunburn: What rejection sensitive dysphoria feels like to me
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: The link between ADHD and sensitivity to criticism.
Is It Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria or Complex Trauma?
More Than ‘Thin-Skinned’: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
The Incredible Shrinking World: Life with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
How Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Affects Me as a Person With ADHD
After recording, I learned that the story from the final segment was actually published in Reader's Digest in 1985
The purpose of this episode is simply to inform and offer ideas and possibilities for further exploration. Nothing said is to be taken as medical or any other advice without consulting with your service providers. Legion of Misfits, the host, or any platforms do not acknowledge responsibility for any contrary actions taken by any listener.
Emotional Sunburn