03/11/2025
Have you ever felt crushed by even the smallest bit of criticism, like one comment can ruin your whole day?
If you have ADHD, it might be something called RSD, or Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.
It’s rarely talked about, even during ADHD assessments, it often doesn’t come up (mine didn’t either). But for many of us, it’s one of the most painful and misunderstood parts of living with ADHD.
RSD is that wave of emotional pain that hits when you think you’ve upset someone, failed, or been judged. It doesn’t even have to be real rejection: just the idea of it can feel unbearable.
And it’s no wonder. For years, we’ve learned to navigate a world that wasn’t built for how our brains work, often facing criticism, confusion, or pressure to “try harder” when we were already giving everything we had.
Over time, that experience can quietly shape your whole personality:
🟡 Saying yes when you want to say no
🟡 Adapting yourself to fit in
🟡 Pushing for perfection so no one can criticise you
🟡 Living with low self-esteem, waiting for rejection that never comes
These aren’t flaws: they’re protective habits, your mind’s way of keeping you safe from emotional pain. But they can also leave you anxious, drained, and disconnected from who you truly are.
Here’s the good news: just knowing this is a side effect, not a personal failing, can already make a huge difference. It gives you permission to be kinder to yourself.
And through hypnotherapy, it’s possible to go even deeper: to release the old guilt, shame, and limiting beliefs that keep you stuck in those patterns. When that emotional weight lifts, your nervous system settles. You start to feel calmer, lighter, and more confident just being yourself.
Managing ADHD isn’t just about focus, it’s about healing how we feel.
If this resonates, I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comments.
