Lately I’m having a hard time deciphering when I’m “ruminating” and when I’m just having anxiety from an intrusive thought & trying to disregard. Any thoughts?

I think ruminating is adding on. So the thought appears and instead of allowing it to circulate, you start to add scenarios to it. You start to try to pick it apart or you start to begin the “what if’s.” When you are just having anxiety from it, it just is there. There’s no poking or prodding it. It just exists and you feel it and see it. You may feel triggered, you may feel uncomfortable but you are not disturbing it.

Dr. Michael J. Greenberg (website here: drmichaeljgreenberg.com ) has a few good articles on this. Basically, it boils down to this: if you’re experiencing anxiety, you’re probably engaging with the thoughts too much.