The Peer Practice

🔥 The Fire and the Flood: Navigating the Epic Intensity of RSD 🌊

Two years ago, I received an ADHD diagnosis that finally helped me make sense of something that had shaped my life for decades: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). For me, RSD isn't just being sensitive to rejection. It's the stomach drop when someone doesn't reply. It's convincing yourself you've done something wrong when there is no evidence. It's feeling every emotion so deeply that it can become overwhelming.

In my latest blog, I share my personal experience of living with RSD, the challenges, the heartbreak, the healing, and the lessons I've learned about self-compassion along the way.
This piece is for anyone who:
💛 Feels things deeply
💛 Lives with ADHD or suspects they might
💛 Struggles with self-doubt or overthinking
💛 Loves someone who experiences RSD
💛 Needs a reminder that they are not "too much"

One of the biggest things I've learned is this: "The first person who needs to want you, is you." If you've ever felt rejected before rejection even happened, I hope this story helps you feel a little less alone. 👉 Read the blog here: https://www.peerpractice.com.au/sharing-our-stories

SelfCompassion Neurodiversity ADHDAwareness ThePeerPractice LivedExperience Recovery MentalHealthMatters PersonalGrowth Authenticity Connection EmotionalWellbeing SelfAcceptance Overthinking SupportSystem HealingJourney InnerStrength Mindfulness DeepFeelings LifeLessons

🔥 The Fire and the Flood: Navigating the Epic Intensity of RSD 🌊

Two years ago, I received an ADHD diagnosis that finally helped me make sense of something that had shaped my life for decades: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).

For me, RSD isn't just being sensitive to rejection. It's the stomach drop when someone doesn't reply. It's convincing yourself you've done something wrong when there is no evidence. It's feeling every emotion so deeply that it can become overwhelming.

In my latest blog, I share my personal experience of living with RSD, the challenges, the heartbreak, the healing, and the lessons I've learned about self-compassion along the way.

This piece is for anyone who:
💛 Feels things deeply
💛 Lives with ADHD or suspects they might
💛 Struggles with self-doubt or overthinking
💛 Loves someone who experiences RSD
💛 Needs a reminder that they are not "too much"

One of the biggest things I've learned is this:
"The first person who needs to want you, is you."

If you've ever felt rejected before rejection even happened, I hope this story helps you feel a little less alone.

👉 Read the blog here: https://www.peerpractice.com.au/sharing-our-stories

Milly - Acting CEO

We headed home from WAPSN feeling inspired. 💚

Over the past two days we've had some great conversations, met some incredible people and been reminded why peer work matters so much.

A special thank you to everyone who joined Jaan's breakout session, Mindfulness & Meditation. It was wonderful to share practical tools, hear your experiences and spend an hour exploring ways to look after ourselves while supporting others.

One of the things we love most about conferences like WAPSN is the chance to connect with people who truly "get it". The honesty, generosity and lived experience in the room is something pretty special.

Thank you to everyone who stopped to chat, shared their story or took part in our workshop. We loved being there and hope to see many of you again soon.

💚 Supporting people.
💚 Supporting workforces.
💚 Supporting the people who support others.

📢 The Peer Practice team is looking forward to attending the WA Peer Support Network (WAPSN) Conference next week!

Across Monday and Tuesday, we'll be joining peer workers, lived experience leaders and sector professionals from across Western Australia for two days of learning, connection and conversation.

If you're attending the conference, we'd love to say hello!

On Monday afternoon, we'll also be facilitating a breakout session:

🧠 The Busy Brain Reset: Lived Experience Skills for the Modern Peer Practitioner

📅 Monday 15 June
🕒 3:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Breakout Room 2

This practical peer led workshop is designed for people working in emotionally demanding roles who want realistic, trauma aware ways to support their own wellbeing while supporting others.

Whether you're new to peer work or have years of experience behind you, we hope you'll join us for an hour of reflection, practical tools and meaningful conversation.

See you at WAPSN 2026! 💚

Program | 2026 WAPSN Conference

✨ New Blog Post from Anna ✨

We’re proud to share a powerful and deeply personal piece written by our peer worker, Anna: “What I’ve Learned From Living With Bipolar Disorder for 20 Years.”

In this blog, Anna reflects on the realities of living with bipolar disorder, the stigma that can come with diagnosis, and the importance of hope, connection and being truly seen as a person — not a label.

Stories like Anna’s are a reminder of the strength, insight and compassion that lived experience brings to peer work 💚

You can read the full blog via the link below.

Living With Bipolar Disorder — The Peer Practice A bipolar diagnosis can land heavily. For many people, it arrives wrapped in fear, warnings, and worst‑case stories. The language surrounding bipolar disorder is often saturated with deficit and danger, leaving newly diagnosed people wondering what parts of themselves they’ll have to lose in ord...

✨ Welcome to The Peer Practice, Ryan ✨

We’re excited to welcome Ryan to the team!

Ryan brings a caring, grounded and respectful approach to peer support, with a strong focus on advocacy, connection and helping people work towards the things that matter most to them. He’s passionate about seeing people grow in confidence, shift perspective and feel hopeful again.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys music, philosophy, writing songs and spending time with animals 🎸

Ryan is available across the South Metro and Peel areas.

We’re so happy to have you on the team, Ryan 💚

We’re so excited to welcome Anna to the team!

Anna brings a calm, grounded and compassionate presence to her peer support work, creating spaces where people feel genuinely safe, seen and heard. With her lived experience and deep passion for accessible healthcare, she offers support that is respectful, steady and deeply human.

Outside of work, Anna loves music, nature walks and curating the perfect playlist for every moment 🎵

Anna is available across North, Central, South and East Metro areas.

We’re so glad to have you with us, Anna 💚

🌟 Check out this amazing review of Milly Taylor Creative's Post Traumatic Growth Education Session!

Discover the life-changing benefits of healing through her unique experiences and expertise.

Don't miss out on June 23rd to gain valuable tools for deeper self-discovery! Details are on our website! 🌐

Ideal for anyone eager to expand their knowledge and healing journey! 🌹