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What RSD actually is

There’s a concept called RSD: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. It’s not a formal diagnosis, but many ADHDers describe it as an intense, sudden crash after real or perceived rejection.

Feedback, silence, or being passed over doesn’t stay “professional.” It can land in the body as shame, fury, or “I am not enough.”

Where it shows up at work

These moments are common. They’re also the ones that knock confidence:

• Redundancy can feel like personal failure.

• A missed promotion can feel like proof.

• Being left out of meetings still stings.

• An unsuccessful interview can linger for weeks.

They’re tough. They can shrink how you see yourself.

What neurodivergent builders do with it

My favourite CEOs and entrepreneurs are neurodivergent. They’ve had a fair deal of rejection. They used it as fuel to create.

Each time I felt rejected, it hurt. I won’t lie. I used that energy like I had a point to prove. In doing so, I proved to myself I was capable. Sometimes it simply wasn’t meant to be. That took time to accept. I have peace with it now.

The promotion I didn’t get

I remember being overlooked for a promotion. I was fuming inside. I still stayed professional. I felt more qualified than the person who got the role.

It worked in my favor. I left. I landed a better, higher-paying job. Later I found out the role I’d been passed over for was becoming redundant. Touché.

What I do differently now

I’ve gotten better at handling rejection. I accept it. I stay professional. I still show up. I don’t let it run my confidence.

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Lastly,

Stay Different,

The AuDHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.