Why Does Rejection Feel So Intense? (with ADHD Expert Dr. Sasha Hamdani)

Why do some of us experience rejection, criticism, and disappointment so intensely—and what we can we actually do about it? Dr. Sasha Hamdani is a board-certified psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, and author of Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply. In this episode, she explains rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD)—the intense emotional pain triggered by perceived rejection or criticism that affects the majority of people with ADHD, especially women. Dr. Hamdani breaks down why dropping estrogen during perimenopause makes emotional sensitivity worse, what's actually happening in your brain when one comment sends you into a spiral, and the three tools she uses herself to stop it. She also explains why women who've been on antidepressants for years with no relief may have been misdiagnosed—and what high-achieving women look like from the outside vs. what's really going on inside. In this episode, you'll learn: -What rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) is and why it's so common in ADHD -How RSD shows up in friendships, relationships, and the workplace -Why perimenopause can make emotions and ADHD symptoms feel harder to manage -Why high-achieving women may hide rejection sensitivity behind perfectionism, overpreparing, and people-pleasing -How to tell the difference between what actually happened and the story your brain created about it -Tools for helping your brain catch up before you react or start spiraling -Why some women treated for anxiety and depression for years may actually need to be evaluated for ADHD -How to start tracking your own patterns before you talk to a professional If you've ever lost an entire night replaying one conversation, convinced yourself someone is upset with you, or felt a wave of shame hit your body before you could even think it through, this episode will help you understand what’s happening between the feeling and the reaction, so your first emotional response doesn’t get to make the decision for you. If you liked this conversation, check this out: The ADHD Psychiatrist: How to Get Your Focus Back After 40 If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Dr. Hamdani on Instagram Get Dr. Hamdani's book, Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply Sponsors: Learn more about your ad choices, click here Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices