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Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

  • Writer: Unplaced Team
    Unplaced Team
  • Aug 25
  • 2 min read
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Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Why Job Hunting Feels Harder Than It Should


Job hunting is hard. Rejection is hard. But for people with ADHD, it can sometimes feel impossibly hard. That is because of something called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD).


RSD is not just being sensitive. It is a neurological response where rejection, criticism, or even the perception of it hits like a punch to the gut. For people with ADHD, this is not occasional. It is a pattern built over years of growing up with constant criticism, correction, or feeling different.


How RSD Shows Up in Daily Life

RSD can show up in ways that make social and work situations exhausting.


  • A friend saying “come if you want” can feel like “you are not wanted.”

  • A manager asking for a “quick chat” can spiral into fears of being fired or humiliated.

  • Neutral comments may be interpreted as criticism, while positive comments may not register at all.


It can lead to intense emotional responses such as shame, anger, or sadness and sometimes even avoidance of social situations or opportunities.


Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in Job Hunting


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Job hunting is particularly challenging with RSD. Every rejection email, unanswered application, or vague response can feel deeply personal. You might start to believe:


  • “I am not good enough.”

  • “I will never get hired.”

  • “Why bother trying?”


It is understandable that people with RSD sometimes give up, even when they are capable and qualified. The emotional weight is heavier than it is for others, and that can make job searching feel crushing.


How to Cope and Keep Going


If you recognise yourself in this, here are some ways to navigate job hunting with RSD:


  1. Separate rejection from self-worth. A “no” is about fit, timing, or circumstances and not a reflection of who you are.

  2. Allow yourself to feel. It is okay to be hurt. Ignoring your feelings will not make them go away.

  3. Protect your energy. Apply in batches, take breaks, and do not punish yourself for needing downtime.

  4. Lean on support. Friends, mentors, or peers who understand ADHD can help you process the emotional impact.

  5. Celebrate small wins. Even submitting an application counts. Even attending an interview counts.

  6. Get someone to check your CV. Having a trusted reviewer or using tools like Unplaced downloads can help keep you on track. This gives you peace of mind and stops the rumination about whether you’re missing something.


Remember RSD does not mean you are weak. It means you feel things more deeply. That depth is a strength, not a flaw. Keep moving forward. Take care of yourself. The right opportunity is out there and it only takes one “yes.”


The Unplaced Team,


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