Rumination, or the behavior of repeatedly thinking about or experiencing a particular event, mentally. Re-experiencing or reliving traumatic occurrences is part of post-traumatic stress disorder, although one can also experience these thoughts in milder forms. If a person has a mental condition with the seriousness of PTSD or if such rumination could lead one to hurt others or oneself, professional medical aid should be sought immediately. For less acute situations, however, one who is stuck in a loop of rumination would do well to remind oneself that rumination and other narratives one tells oneself are mere fiction. Putting one’s thoughts in writing, speaking to a friend or a trusted individual about the situation, and providing aid to someone else who has experienced something similar are all great ways of minimizing the damage and pain of rumination.
Key Takeaways:
- The ruminating mind runs loops over and over again, not letting us forget unpleasant incidents.
- One way to get past difficult events is to write about them, then slowly tear up the pages and drop them into the garbage.
- Helping someone else who suffered through a similar experience is a good way to turn negative attention away from yourself.
“Many people relive traumas, such as cruelty in the form of emotional or physical abuse.”
Read more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understand-other-people/201910/the-ruminating-mind