Episode 98 - Why Rejection Hurts So Much with ADHD

Why does one small criticism stick with us for days? Why do our emotions sometimes feel so much bigger than everyone else's? And what does ADHD have to do with it?In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Emma McAdam, founder of Therapy in a Nutshell, to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD: emotional dysregulation.Emma shares her own journey to recognizing ADHD in herself while raising four daughters, including navigating ADHD within her own family. Together, she and Jami explore why rejection sensitivity can feel so overwhelming, how executive function affects emotional regulation, and why anxiety and ADHD are so often intertwined.Most importantly, Emma offers practical, research-backed strategies that can help you better understand and work with your emotions instead of feeling controlled by them.What You'll LearnWhy rejection can feel so much more painful for people with ADHDThe connection between ADHD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulationHow executive function affects your ability to process emotionsWhy emotions often feel bigger, louder, and last longer with ADHDThe role masking and shame can play in rejection sensitivityWhy so many women are first diagnosed after their childrenPractical tools for calming your nervous system and managing overwhelming emotionsHow small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful improvements over timeWhy This MattersMany adults with ADHD spend years believing they're "too sensitive," overly emotional, or simply not resilient enough.The truth is that emotional regulation is part of executive functioning. Understanding how your ADHD brain processes emotions can replace shame with self-compassion—and give you practical tools to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and calm.The ADHD Button QuestionJami asks every guest the same question:If there were a button that could take away your ADHD forever, would you press it?Emma's answer is a thoughtful no.While ADHD has brought real challenges, especially in relationships and parenting. She also credits it with her creativity, curiosity, and the hyperfocus that helped build Therapy in a Nutshell into a resource that has reached millions of people.About the GuestEmma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Therapy in a Nutshell, a popular YouTube channel and online learning platform dedicated to making quality mental health education accessible to everyone. With nearly 20 years of clinical experience, Emma specializes in teaching practical, evidence-based skills for managing anxiety, emotional regulation, and overall mental wellness. Her videos have helped millions of people better understand their minds and build healthier emotional habits.About the HostJami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, understand their ADHD, reduce shame, and build lives that work with their brains instead of against them.ResourcesTherapy in a Nutshell YouTube ChannelFree courses:How to Process Your EmotionsHow to Break the Anxiety CycleThis Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroLinks & SupportWebsite: https://www.jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much: Understanding Undiagnosed ADHDThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.Follow us:Instagram:@grandma_has_adhd@silverliningstransitionsFacebook:Silver Linings TransitionsGrandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group)Youtube:Grandma Has ADHD