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How can individuals with RSD and ADHD share their experiences to educate others? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) can be one of the most difficult aspects of living with ADHD. It describes the intense emotional pain that comes from feeling criticised, rejected, or not good enough. While RSD is not a formal diagnosis, NICE ADHD guidance (NG87) recognises emotional dysregulation as part of ADHD’s clinical profile. Sharing personal experiences of RSD can help educate others, reduce stigma, and build understanding in schools, workplaces, and communities. 

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The power of lived experience 

According to ADHD UK and Mind, stories from people with lived experience are among the most effective tools for awareness and empathy. When individuals talk openly about RSD, it helps others understand that emotional sensitivity is not overreaction but part of ADHD’s neurological pattern. 

Evidence from Frontiers in Psychology (2025) shows that public discussion of emotional challenges in ADHD can reduce self-stigma and promote help-seeking behaviours. By sharing experiences, individuals help move the conversation from judgement to compassion. 

Ways to share experiences safely and effectively 

There are many ways to use personal experiences of RSD to educate others while maintaining emotional boundaries: 

  • Community speaking: Join local or online ADHD groups to share insights during awareness events or webinars. 
  • Social media storytelling: Use platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, or blogs to share personal reflections in a balanced, educational way. 
  • Peer mentoring: Offer to support others through structured programmes run by charities such as ADHD Foundation or Mind UK. 
  • Creative expression: Art, writing, or podcasts can express emotion safely while raising awareness about RSD. 
  • Collaborate with charities: Organisations such as ADHD UK welcome contributors for lived-experience blogs and advocacy projects. 

When speaking publicly, it’s important to protect privacy, avoid sharing triggering details, and seek support if emotions become overwhelming. 

Turning experience into structured support 

Some individuals choose to build on their experience through formal training or coaching. Programmes such as Theara Change focus on developing communication and emotional regulation skills that can enhance confidence in advocacy or peer support. For those involved in educational talks or awareness campaigns, services like ADHD Certify can provide reliable clinical information to ensure public discussions remain consistent with NICE and NHS guidance. 

Takeaway 

By sharing experiences of RSD and ADHD with honesty and care, individuals can play a vital role in education and social change. Personal stories create empathy, challenge stigma, and remind others that emotional sensitivity is not weakness but part of a shared human experience that deserves understanding and support. 

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Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Author

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

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