Recent data from Stats Canada reveals a dramatic drop in day-to-day social interactions among Canadians, from nearly half seeing friends daily in 1986 to less than one in five by 2022. This isn't just a story of individuals feeling left out; it's an unfolding societal crisis with deep roots in our economic and cultural systems. Increased time pressure, rising anxiety, and shrinking opportunities for meaningful connection are fueling a loneliness epidemic across the country.

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a term that describes the extreme emotional pain neurodivergent individuals, particularly those ADHDers and Autistic folks, may experience when they perceive rejection, criticism, or failure. For those who live with RSD, even minor interactions can feel deeply personal, triggering overwhelming feelings of shame, inadequacy, or sadness. This blog post explores why RSD feels so distressing, its impact on daily life, and practical strategies to manage it.