Fear of rejection with ADHD runs deep (Matthew’s story)

Matthew Raghunauth always felt like he was a little lazy and
sluggish — that’s just how he was. Then the time came to return
to office after the pandemic, and he really started struggling at
work. He questioned why he would put things off so much. He was
scared to mess up, and afraid that his colleagues would think
he’s a bad employee. 


Matthew is an artist and UX designer who was diagnosed with ADHD
about a year and a half ago. Join Laura and Matthew as they talk
about this ADHD fear of being “found out,” and a grown-up view of
growing up.


Related resources


ADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)

Imposter syndrome at work: How I stopped feeling like a fake

Not lazy, but exhausted from analysis paralysis (Emily’s
story)



Timestamps


(01:25) Why did Matthew seek out an ADHD evaluation?


(05:59) ADHD and prioritization overload


(07:23) Anxiety and fixations while growing up


(10:10) Putting off things out of fear of failing and being
rejected


(12:34) ADHD and catastrophizing


(15:32) Are we really “too sensitive”?


(16:38) When “growing up” means taking care of yourself


(21:20) The added pressure of being first generation American


 


To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes,
visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.


Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our
listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.


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empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like
ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work,
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