Relational Safety Loop

The Rejection-Withdrawal Spiral

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Perceived rejection triggers high arousal before emotional labeling catches up, so withdrawal feels protective. Reduced social-thread continuity raises reconnection cost, which increases isolation and sensitivity to the next rejection cue.

  1. Step 1

    RSD fires

    Source signal: both

  2. Step 2

    Emotional overreaction

    Source signal: adhd

  3. Step 3

    Can't name what you feel

    Source signal: asd

  4. Step 4

    Withdraw to protect

    Source signal: asd

  5. Step 5

    Emotional permanence fades

    Source signal: adhd

  6. Step 6

    Reconnection feels impossible

    Source signal: both

  7. Step 7

    Isolation increases sensitivity

    Source signal: both