RSD is a set of intense symptoms that can cause profound emotional and physical pain based on a perceived fear of rejection, failure, or disappointment.

“Rejection sensitive dysphoria. It's an intense intense emotional response caused by the perception that you might have disappointed someone, failed, been rejected. Because of that, you perceive that they will withdraw their love. You will lose their approval. You will lose their respect.”

It is important for those without RSD to understand that individuals with the condition experience reactions they cannot easily keep in perspective.

“And what's important if you're listening and you may not have this yourself is to understand what someone else may be going through. You may be with someone who has this outsized reaction and you be you may say to them, "It's not such a big deal. Why can't you put this in perspective?"”