Is Rumination A Form of Anxiety?

Summary

The article discusses rumination as a form of anxiety, characterized by persistent and repetitive thoughts, particularly about past events, which can disrupt sleep and daily life, and is often associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Abstract

Rumination, the act of constantly and repetitively thinking about past situations, choices, and feelings, is explored in the article as a significant aspect of anxiety. It is described as an intrusive mental process that can prevent relaxation and sleep, often accompanied by feelings of self-doubt and regret. The author shares personal experiences with rumination, linking it to past traumas and the fear of making mistakes, which affects relationships and self-perception. The article suggests strategies for managing rumination, such as distractions, thought stopping, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and emphasizes the importance of professional therapy if these methods are ineffective. It also notes the prevalence of anxiety disorders and the various treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage anxiety.

Opinions

The author acknowledges their own struggle with rumination, suggesting it may be related to aging and the pressure of limited time.
The article posits that brooding rumination can lead to a negative self-image and undermine one's trust in their decision-making abilities.
Rumination is seen as a disruptive force in the author's life, impacting their ability to form and maintain relationships due to a fear of making further mistakes.
The author advocates for the use of alternative treatments like EFT and thought stopping techniques as potential tools for managing rumination.
Professional therapy is recommended if self-help strategies are not effective, indicating a recognition of the severity of rumination and anxiety disorders.
The author is not endorsing any specific products but is open to sharing what has worked for them personally in hopes of aiding others.
There is an encouragement for readers to support writers on Medium, suggesting that the platform is a valuable resource for both readers and authors.

When your thoughts don’t have an Off button.

Rumination occurs when you have constant, repetitive thoughts about situations, choices, people, and feelings from your past. It is thinking obsessively and usually happens when you are trying to sleep. You toss and turn and can’t ever relax because of this mental churning. You are trying to sleep but “you can’t shut your mind off.”

This can also happen during the day, as well.

I have been suffering from this lately but don’t know why. I usually fall asleep and stay asleep until the next morning. It could be being older and not knowing how much time I have left. There is so much to do.

Brooding rumination is one type and it covers perceived mistakes and negative aspects of self. To add to that it is wondering if what you are doing now is the correct thing to be doing since you don’t trust yourself to make good decisions. Rumination can convince a person that they are bad or that they should feel shame and guilt.

Rumination is a part of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Because of past experiences with abusive situations, I suffer from this. It disturbs me and my relationships to the point that I don’t want to make anymore mistakes; therefore, it is difficult for me to make friends and keep them. I feel I have to be vague and standoffish. “Don’t get too close” is the thought I have. I am judged by this and it hurts because I don’t mean any harm.

Managing rumination

Distractions

Putting rumination on “pause” by doing chores, browsing the internet or your phone, and watching a movie.

Thought stopping

Telling your mind to STOP. Envision a huge STOP sign if you have to.

Tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

You can find out more about this at:

If none of these help then you probably should have professional therapy but there are still many alternatives.

Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million adults in the United States alone each year, making them the most common mental health disorder. Many people with anxiety use a combination of therapies, medications, alternative treatments, and lifestyle changes to help manage their anxiety and stress.

I am not promoting any product and do not get anything from any of these products, but only hope I can help others with what I have found that works.

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Jo Ann Harris is an author, parent, book devotee, writer, copywriter, and film fanatic. She is an autodidact who learns about everything and rows her boat. She grew up, worked in Atlanta, Georgia, and lived there for sixty years. She writes articles about love, hope, personal life stories, advice, and poems. She is a published author with an article in Woman’s World magazine in October 2017.

Is Rumination A Form of Anxiety?

When your thoughts don’t have an Off button.

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