Why Unfairness Hits ADHDers So Hard... Justice Sensitivity

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, disturbed, or enraged by unfair situations, oftentimes more than the people around you?

You may be experiencing a lesser-known ADHD-driven trait called justice sensitivity.

With ADHD, we tend to be especially passionate for the things we care about. This can lead us to have higher morals compared to most of our peers.

It might shatter our world view when our morals are opposed or shrugged off. It’s frustrating and baffling when people are seemingly unbothered by an injustice that we simply can’t ignore.

We may feel angry or upset when we see things like...

• People cutting in line

• Homelessness

• Negative news or media stories

• Political results

Why It's So Intense

ADHD brains don’t come with a dimmer switch. Our emotional responses are immediate and intense. So when we see injustice, it doesn’t just bother us—it activates us.

Why ADHD brains might feel it so intensely:

• Hyperfocus on “right vs. wrong”

• Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)

• Emotional dysregulation

• Personal experiences with being misunderstood or misjudged

How It Shows Up

ADHD justice sensitivity can look like:

• Overreacting to “harmless” comments

• Advocating fiercely for others

• Struggling with double standards

• Feeling helpless when others don't care

• Holding grudges longer than expected

It’s a double-edged sword.

The Gift: We care deeply, fight for the underdog, and spot injustice others ignore. The Cost: It can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting when others don’t feel things as strongly.

What Can We Do About Justice Sensitivity With ADHD?

Finding Your C.A.L.M.

1. Check-in Name what you’re feeling: Frustration, Powerless, Hurt, Misunderstood

2. Assess the Impact Ask yourself: Is this worth my energy right now? Is this a battle I need to fight, or can I set it down for now?

3. Let It Out, Constructively Channel the emotion through action: journaling, art, advocacy, or venting to a safe person

4. Make Meaning Out of It Reflect on what this moment taught you about:

   • Your values

   • Boundaries

   • What matters most

     
     

Creating Your Bubble

You don’t have to consume all the news to be an informed, caring person. In fact, protecting your mental health doesn’t mean you’re turning your back on the world, it means you’re choosing what has direct access to your emotional energy.

• Trust that anything truly urgent, something that will directly impact your life, will still find its way to you. A friend, a loved one, or a headline will surface when needed.

• Try mentally labeling certain news stories by geography: “That’s a story about New York,” or “That’s happening in another country.” This doesn’t mean you don’t care, it’s simply a gentle reminder: not everything is yours to carry.

• You’re not ignoring the world. You’re creating space in your mind and heart for the things you can control, for the people and causes where you can make an impact.

Be the action

If you cannot stop your passion on a matter, then be the change that you crave.

ADHD brains hyperfixate on things that we’re told that we “can’t do”. We feel that much more compelled to make it happen (and we're perfectly capable of doing anything we set our minds to.)

So do it. Make the change.

This world needs more people like you, with the drive, courage, and tenacity to make it a better place to live.

All my Best,

Coach Brooke