ADHD Rejection Sensitivity: Why Rejection Can Feel So Personal | Alex Partridge

ADHD rejection sensitivity can make one comment, one text, or one change in someone’s tone feel like proof that everything is falling apart. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Alex Partridge joins me to unpack rejection sensitivity, masking, identity, self-trust, and the hidden emotional cost of ADHD; view the full show notes at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-rejection-sensitivity/ 📚 My new book, ADHD and Women, explores the relationship between ADHD, hormones, the nervous system, nutrition, and the experiences women are so often never taught to connect. 🎁 Preorder the book and see the current limited-time bonuses here:https://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen In This Episode Why ADHD can make rejection and criticism feel disproportionately intense How childhood comments like “you’re too much,” “stop being so emotional,” or “why are you so weird?” can shape the way you see yourself as an adult How masking can slowly shift the question from “Who am I?” to “Who do I need to be so people will accept me?” Why Alex believes rejection sensitivity can become one of the most debilitating and overlooked parts of ADHD How an unanswered text, unusual tone of voice, meeting request, or single negative comment can trigger catastrophic thinking How people-pleasing and fear of disappointing others can undermine your ability to trust your own instincts Why an emotional trigger can lead to quitting, relationship conflict, impulsive decisions, or behaviors you regret once you’re regulated again What it can feel like to receive an ADHD diagnosis and suddenly realize you don’t know who you are underneath years of masking Why your brain may seek out criticism—even when you’re already feeling terrible—and how to interrupt that pattern How creating a bank of real evidence can help challenge the story rejection sensitivity is telling you How to repair after an intense emotional reaction without using ADHD as an excuse for harmful behavior Why someone who appears “high functioning” at work may actually be high masking and completely depleted by the time they get home Why “you just need to try harder” may be one of the most damaging messages people with ADHD hear How curiosity, pattern recognition, creativity, entrepreneurship, and intense interests can become powerful ADHD strengths About Alex Partridge 🎙️ Alex Partridge is the founder of UNILAD and LADbible, host of the award-winning ADHD Chatter podcast, a Sunday Times bestselling author, and a leading voice in conversations about ADHD and neurodiversity. In this conversation, Alex shares not only what he has learned through interviewing hundreds of experts, but his own experiences with masking, alcoholism, entrepreneurship, rejection sensitivity, identity, and rebuilding self-trust. This Episode Is Brought to You By Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind Want a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience.  Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code POD15 for 15% off your order Shop now https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/radiant-mind LMNT Electrolytes  Want a clean, science-backed way to stay hydrated and energized? At LMNT, electrolytes are formulated with a precise balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium — with no sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no unnecessary fillers. Designed to support hydration, muscle function, and daily energy, LMNT helps you feel your best through workouts, busy days, and everyday life. Exclusive for podcast listeners: Visit http://drinklmnt.com/Brighten to receive a free sample pack with any purchase. Fygg  Want a dentist-developed oral care brand on a mission to “Feed Your Good Guys.” Fygg makes science-backed, microbiome-friendly oral care products — like fluoride-free toothpaste and remineralizing varnish — that support a balanced oral microbiome without harsh chemicals, foam, or unnecessary ingredients. Developed by dentists and grounded in research, Fygg helps strengthen enamel, maintain oral health, and promote a healthier mouth for the whole family. Use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off of their products (both one-time and subscription) Shop now https://fygg.sjv.io/ragbBv Follow Alex Partridge 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_partridge_100/?hl=en 🌐 Website: https://www.alex-partridge.com/ 🎙️ ADHD Chatter:https://www.instagram.com/adhd_chatter_podcast ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHD_Chatter_Podcast Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten 🌐 Website: https://drbrighten.com 🎙️ The Dr. Brighten Show: https://drbrighten.com