Navigating RSD: An In-Depth Discussion with Caitlin Whitmore
In the latest episode of the ADHD Goals Podcast, host Laurence delves deep into the world of ADHD with special guest Caitlin Whitmore, an ADHD coach with a degree in psychology and a master’s in psychological research from the University of Sheffield. Caitlin offers invaluable insights into her personal journey, the challenges of ADHD, and practical solutions through her coaching work.
Introduction to Caitlin Whitmore
Caitlin Whitmore’s journey into understanding ADHD began during her time as a secondary school maths teacher. Not initially identifying with ADHD herself, she became aware of the condition through her interactions with students and a school coordinator’s observations. This led her to pursue an assessment, which confirmed her ADHD diagnosis after a two-year wait through the NHS. Her experience highlights a common narrative: many adults discover their ADHD after years of managing undiagnosed symptoms.
Life with ADHD: Personal Struggles and Discoveries
Caitlin candidly discusses her struggles with perfectionism and burnout, aspects that many with ADHD can relate to. Her high-achieving nature in university often masked the underlying difficulties she faced, such as intense self-criticism and rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). Caitlin recalls how minor setbacks would trigger disproportionate emotional reactions, which she later understood as components of RSD. Her story is a testament to the complex emotional landscape navigated by those with ADHD.
Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
One of the podcast’s primary focuses is RSD, a condition associated with extreme emotional sensitivity to perceived rejection or criticism. Caitlin explains that RSD is often misunderstood, not necessarily stemming from actual rejection but rather from the intense emotional response triggered by perceived failures or criticisms. People with ADHD experience RSD more profoundly due to the heightened emotional sensitivity intrinsic to the condition, leading to deep yet fleeting emotional spikes.
Caitlin’s research during her master’s degree has been pivotal in bringing academic attention to RSD, an area previously underexplored in ADHD research. Her aim is to bridge the gap between social awareness of RSD and its academic recognition, paving the way for deeper understanding and better support mechanisms.
Dealing with RSD and ADHD
Both Caitlin and Laurence emphasise practical strategies for managing RSD. Practical approaches such as breaking down thought processes to confront worst-case scenarios, verbalising fears with trusted individuals, and maintaining strong communication in personal relationships are some of the effective methods discussed. Coaching plays a significant role here, providing tailored solutions for each individual’s unique challenges.
The Importance of Self-Empathy and Forgiveness
An essential theme throughout Caitlin’s discussion is the importance of self-compassion. Recognizing that impulsive responses and emotional reactions are part of ADHD helps in reducing self-criticism. Caitlin shares how she has learned to be less harsh on herself post-diagnosis, allowing for a more forgiving and understanding approach to her own emotional patterns.
Workplace Adjustments and Disclosure
The conversation also touches upon the challenges of disclosing ADHD in the workplace. Laurence and Caitlin discuss the importance of reasonable adjustments, such as pre-framing the intention behind meetings to reduce anxiety. Employers can play a crucial role by fostering an understanding environment and proactively supporting neurodivergent employees. Caitlin underscores the importance of communication, advising employees to be upfront about their needs while employers should be prepared to offer the necessary support without waiting for disclosures.
ADHD Coaching: Practical Solutions and Personal Growth
Caitlin explains the distinction between traditional clinical psychology and ADHD coaching. While the former often involves deep dives into cognitive processes, the latter focuses on practical, actionable solutions tailored to the client’s immediate needs. ADHD coaching is flexible, adaptable, and deeply empathetic, making it particularly effective for those who need help organising, prioritising, and managing their daily lives.
Conclusion: A Journey of Empowerment
In this enlightening podcast episode, Caitlin Whitmore offers a wealth of knowledge drawn from personal experience and academic research, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of ADHD and RSD. Her insights into practical coping mechanisms, the importance of self-forgiveness, and the supportive role of coaching offer hope and guidance to those navigating their own ADHD journeys.
Listeners keen on exploring further can connect with Caitlin through her various social media channels or consider enrolling in personalised coaching sessions designed to foster growth and understanding in managing ADHD.
For more episodes and to stay updated, subscribe to the ADHD Goals Podcast on your preferred platform. If the episode resonated with you or someone you know, share it to spread the awareness and support further. If you wish to get in touch with Laurence or need coaching assistance, visit the ADHD Goals website or drop a message on social media. Until next time, stay resilient and be kind to yourself.
In this episode of the ADHD Goals podcast, Laurence interviews Caitlin Whitmore, a coach and expert in ADHD, with a background in psychology and psychological research. Caitlin shares her own journey with ADHD, from being al maths teacher to becoming a specialist in Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). They dive deep into what RSD is, its impact on people with ADHD, and how to manage it effectively. The conversation also covers Caitlin’s transition from teaching to pursuing a psychology master’s degree, the importance of self-compassion, and practical strategies for tackling ADHD-related challenges. Caitlin also discusses the concept of toxic productivity and offers advice on disclosing ADHD in the workplace. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable tips for managing ADHD and RSD.
Links:
Caitlin Whitmore: https://linktr.ee/adhdcoachcaitlin
Timeline:
- 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
- 01:26 Caitlin’s Personal ADHD Journey
- 03:21 Perfectionism and Burnout
- 06:59 Transition from Teaching to Coaching
- 08:44 Focus on RSD in Research
- 12:57 Understanding and Coping with RSD
- 21:56 Gender Differences in ADHD and RSD
- 29:21 Self-Understanding and Forgiveness
- 33:30 Understanding the Chimp Brain
- 34:31 Forgiveness and Self-Empathy
- 34:46 ADHD Coaching and RSD
- 35:25 Practical Solutions for RSD
- 36:26 Workplace Adjustments for ADHD
- 38:39 Disclosing ADHD at Work
- 44:20 The Role of ADHD Coaching
- 44:53 Psychology vs. Coaching
- 49:50 Flexible ADHD Coaching
- 57:46 Toxic Productivity
- 01:03:34 Conclusion and Contact Information
- 01:06:23 Outro to the ADHD Goals Podcast
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