Understanding RSD: The Hidden Struggle of ADHD

Have you ever had a reaction to feedback or rejection that felt way out of proportion?
Maybe it was a small comment that left you spinning for hours. Maybe it triggered a title wave of emotions that didn’t make sense to anyone else.

If that sounds familiar, you are definitely not alone. For many people with ADHD, this experience has a name—Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria. This phenomenon is one aspect of ADHD that is often misunderstood, and shrouded in mystery… It’s something I’ve dealt with myself, and it wasn’t until I finally understood what was going on that things started to shift.

If you’ve ever felt crushed by criticism or rejection, even when it seems small, you’re not alone. I can relate, in a BIG way!

Once upon a time, during the first month I was posting to social media professionally, someone close to me shared some strong opinions about why they did not like my content. Not only would they not be following me or “liking” any of my content, but they also urged me to reconsider the approach I was taking, as they felt that my approach was condescending and that I was “making fun” of those who experience challenges related to their ADHD. 

The comment hit me like a bolt of lightning. It totally wrecked me. I kept replaying it in my head, questioning everything I’d written, and all of the work I had done, wondering if I should just stop posting altogether.

While I knew in my heart that my intentions were completely genuine, and that my goal was to promote ADHD awareness by creating entertaining, educational, and encouraging content that anyone with a brain like mine could relate to, having someone so close to me feel a certain way about it had stopped me in my tracks. 

At the time, I thought, “Why am I being SO sensitive?! Who cares what they have to say?! I am overreacting!” Now I know it was something deeper: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).

In this week’s episode of the More Than ADHD™ Podcast, I’m unpacking this hidden challenge. I’m open up about some of the raw parts of my own story, insights I’ve gained, and approaches that have made a real difference in my life and for the people I coach.

Why Does Understanding RSD Matter?

The emotional side of ADHD is often overlooked. But for many of us, it’s the part that hurts the most*, and the part that impacts our relationships, our work, and how we see ourselves.

There are ways to navigate these intense feelings. And there are tools that can help. It starts with understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface.

If you’ve ever wondered why rejection hits you harder than it seems to hit others, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Ready to learn how to take back your ADHD?

I dive deep into this topic in this week’s episode of The More Than ADHD™ Podcast.
Join me for a conversation that’s real, raw, and packed with insights that could change the way you think about ADHD.


Take the first step toward understanding this hidden side of ADHD and toward giving yourself the compassion and support you deserve.

*This has been confirmed by medical research.

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About Ryan Mayer

Professional Life Coach Ryan Mayer is an Accountability and Mindset Coach, specializing in working with adult men and women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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