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In this episode of the Mother Plus Podcast, we continue our deep dive into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) with Dr. Rebecca Richey. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by rejection, criticism, or failure, this episode offers practical tools to help you manage your emotional responses and regain control.

Four Tools for Managing RSD:

1. Community Matters
   Surround yourself with people who understand your ADHD experience. Having "your ADHD people" in your corner—friends who won’t judge or dismiss your feelings—can make all the difference.
2. Therapy is a Game-Changer
   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques like recognizing when you're catastrophizing or generalizing are powerful tools. Dr. Richey shares her strategy of "putting your thoughts on trial" to help defuse emotionally charged situations. Pro tip: Seek a therapist experienced with RSD.
3. Self-Understanding Brings Calm
   Recognize when you’re having an RSD response. Simply saying, “This is my RSD talking,” can help you pause and stay mindful until your cognitive clarity returns.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
   Self-compassion is a crucial habit to cultivate. Dr. Richey stresses that being kind to yourself is the foundation of managing RSD effectively.

Special Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Parenting and RSD: Learn how to recover and repair relationships when your child’s behavior triggers feelings of rejection.
• Misdiagnoses and ADHD: Dr. Richey discusses the overlap of symptoms between ADHD and other conditions, why many women are misdiagnosed, and the importance of getting the right diagnosis.
• Advocacy Alert: Partners, parents, and friends—this is for you. Understanding RSD and its impact can make a world of difference in your relationships with ADHD women.

Dr. Rebecca Richey, Psy.D., MBA, serves as the Clinical Director at CWHC, overseeing therapy, psychological evaluations, group programs, and integrated care services. A triple-licensed mental health professional with nearly 20 years of clinical experience, she specializes in psychological testing for women, including ADHD diagnosis.

Dr. Richey’s career highlights include serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she directed behavioral health services and training programs. She is a Past President of the Colorado Psychological Association and currently chairs the APA’s Committee on Early Career Psychologists. With expertise in integrated care, leadership, and advocacy, she is passionate about advancing mental health for women.

Website: https://cowomenscare.com/ 

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