Why does rejection hurt so much when you have ADHD? And why can even the smallest signs of disapproval send you into a spiral of overthinking, shame, and self-doubt?
In this episode of Two Dudes Talkin' Therapy, clinical psychologists Dr. Jacob Ambrose (Dr. Jay) and Dr. Vincent Barbieri (Dr. V) explore Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), the connection between ADHD and childhood rejection, and how to heal from years of feeling misunderstood.
From emotional neglect and people-pleasing to anxious attachment, masking, and emotional dysregulation, we explore why people with ADHD may become especially sensitive to rejection — and why healing involves more than simply learning to tolerate criticism.
We also introduce an important distinction: separating your ADHD wiring from the wounds you've developed along the way.
Because healing isn't about changing who you are. It's about learning to accept your differences without carrying the shame that may have developed around them.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Why Rejection Hurts So Much With ADHD
00:42 What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)?
01:30 Why ADHD Can Make Rejection Feel More Intense
04:07 How Childhood Rejection Leads to ADHD Masking
06:43 The Hidden Signs of Rejection You Might Be Missing
08:00 ADHD, Emotional Neglect & Childhood Shame
09:31 Why People With ADHD Feel Like Something Is Wrong With Them
11:16 Separating ADHD Wiring From Childhood Wounds
14:00 The ADHD Brain Explained: Train vs. Car
18:27 Why People With ADHD Struggle With Self-Acceptance
20:51 ADHD Masking, People-Pleasing & Fear of Rejection
25:53 How to Manage Emotional Dysregulation With ADHD
28:37 ADHD, Anxious Attachment & Relationship Anxiety
29:15 Avoidant Attachment, ADHD & Fear of Vulnerability
31:15 How ADHD and Anxious Attachment Connect to Limerence
33:49 Why Healing Rejection Sensitivity Starts With Self-Acceptance
35:48 How to Stop Rejecting Yourself and Start Healing
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DISCLAIMER
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a commonly used descriptive term and is not a standalone DSM-5-TR diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for individualized guidance.
#ADHD #RejectionSensitiveDysphoria #RSD
