A brand new series is here, and it’s on everyone’s favorite topic: rejection.
From childhood to adulthood, we experience rejection in a variety of ways and learn how to respond to it. Those of us with ADHD often experience this frequently and at an early age. As a result, we tend to have heightened sensitivity to feelings of exclusion or dismissal. We react extremely or suppress our own desires in order to please the people around us whose love and approval we most crave.
The first episode in this series involves a critical self-examination and reflection time to determine whether or not you may demonstrate rejection sensitivity.
I discuss expert opinions on the relationship between having ADHD and experiencing rejection, how rejection can be perceived but not real and the importance of nurturing our psyches when we experience these strong feelings.
While this episode may bring up some intense memories or emotions, I’m here to offer generous validation and grace so that listeners can better prepare for self-regulation in times of uncertainty.
In addition to finding a good trauma-informed therapist for support, my group coaching program, FOCUSED, is a great, supportive community for other ADHDers learning how to harness our strengths and overcome our weaknesses. I hope you check us out!
Referenced Links:
Experiences of criticism in adults with ADHD
Rejection sensitivity and the social brain
Rejection sensitivity and disruption of attention
Peer Functioning in Children with ADHD
Peer victimization in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
