Why does criticism hit me harder than it seems to hit others?

Many adults with ADHD experience heightened sensitivity to criticism because of emotional regulation differences and a long history of negative feedback. Even mild criticism can trigger intense emotional responses, shame, or rumination. Clinicians frame this as sensitivity to perceived rejection rather than fragility. It’s shaped by both neurology and lived experience. Understanding this pattern helps reduce self blame and supports learning ways to pause and regulate after feedback rather than internalizing it.