Rejection Sensitivity
Sometimes rejection sensitivity is obvious: a painful reaction to criticism, a need for reassurance or hours spent replaying a conversation. But it can also hide in everyday behaviour - not applying for something you want, leaving before someone can leave you, saying yes when you mean no, apologising first, rewriting a message again and again, or never asking for help.
This resource looks beyond the label and explores what may be happening underneath. It explains why uncertainty, facial expressions, tone, delayed replies and perceived disapproval can trigger such a powerful emotional and physical response, particularly for people who have experienced repeated criticism, misunderstanding, exclusion, bullying or years of masking.
The downloadable guide includes practical ways to slow the rejection alarm, separate facts from interpretations, reduce reassurance loops, communicate more clearly and support an autistic or ADHD person without dismissing their experience. There is also a reflection worksheet for working through a difficult moment.
Rejection sensitivity is a descriptive term rather than a standalone diagnosis, and experiences differ from person to person. The aim of this resource is not to tell someone that their fears are imaginary. It is to help create enough space between the feeling and the conclusion to work out what is known, what is uncertain and what support is needed next.
Space to Breathe Therapy
Therapy • Support • Understanding
