Hey everyone,

I’m reaching out because I’ve been feeling really misunderstood lately, and I’m hoping to get some perspectives from others who might share similar experiences. I’ve been struggling with how my ADHD, particularly with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), is coming across to people, and I’ve even been called a narcissist, which is honestly heartbreaking and frustrating.

Here’s the thing: I know that people sometimes see my need for affirmation and validation and think it’s me being arrogant or seeking attention for the wrong reasons. But it’s so much more complicated than that.

With ADHD, my self-esteem has always been fragile, and I’ve often felt like I’m different or not quite “fitting in.” I know that sounds cliché, but it’s real for me. Because of RSD, when I get even a small whiff of rejection, criticism, or being left out, it feels like it hits me harder than it would for most people. I react more intensely to these things, and it can feel like a punch to the