“Trees that survive stormy weather don’t just bend – they build deeper roots.”
For many people with ADHD, the storm isn’t always outside – it’s happening inside.
One of the most painful parts of living with ADHD isn’t the forgetfulness or the time blindness – it’s the emotional intensity. Especially when it comes to Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). RSD isn’t a formal diagnosis, but for many with ADHD, it’s the name that describes that sudden, overwhelming feeling of being rejected, criticised, or not good enough. Sometimes it’s real. Sometimes it’s only perceived. Even a slightly critical look can feel devastating.
Reactions are intense, long lasting, and often completely disproportionate to the actual event. This can hijack performance and wellbeing on every level.
Self-compassion is where the healing begins.
RSD feeds off shame. And shame withers in the presence of compassion. Learning to meet yourself with kindness instead of self-criticism is what begins to break the cycle. It’s what helps you pause instead of spiral. It’s what lets you say, “This is hard and I’m supporting myself through this” instead of “What’s wrong with me?”
The goal is to build stability from the inside out, so that external winds don’t knock you over. Helpful modalities alongside self-compassion might include EMDR, somatic therapies, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
