Patrick McGrath, OC, PhD, FRSC, Principal Scientist, 90Second Health Matthew Scott, Writer, 90Second Health Hannah Baillie, Editor in Chief, 90Second Health
Rumination
Rumination...
What is rumination?
Rumination is a type of thought processing disorder in which you continuously think about the same things, which tend to be sad or dark. You may be able to stop the cycle of rumination, or you may find it very difficult to do so.
Rumination can lead to negative moods, substance abuse, stress, anxiety and depression. These challenges can lead to self-harm and suicidal thinking. Rumination is common among those with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. Rumination can also occur on its own.
Symptoms of rumination often include:
Excessive talking or thinking about a difficult event or topic
Irritability
Mood swings
Concentration problems
Feeling unmotivated to do usual activities
Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
Fatigue
Low appetite
Suicidal thoughts
...
CALL TO ACTION...
Distract yourself
When you are having ruminative thoughts, try to distract yourself with an activity such as exercise or a walk in the park. The more engrossing the distraction, the better it will work.
Practice mindfulness
Think about all of the things in your life you are thankful for and make a list of them. Refer to this list when you have ruminative thoughts.
Don't avoid triggers
Identify the event that triggers the rumination. Avoidance may help in the short term, but it will make ruminations worse in the long term.
Understand the causes
Consider what causes your rumination, and be creative about how to solve your negative thoughts. For example, maybe you always say to yourself "I am unlovable," when your partner is away. Perhaps, when you walk by the school where you were once bullied, you say, "I can't stand up for myself." Prepare for it. Try to trigger a rumination and then challenge it or distract yourself.
Talk to a professional
Speaking to a mental health professional may be the best way to work through your negative thoughts.
Distract yourself
When you are having ruminative thoughts, try to distract yourself with an activity such as exercise or a walk in the park. The more engrossing the distraction, the better it will work.
Practice mindfulness
Think about all of the things in your life you are thankful for and make a list of them. Refer to this list when you have ruminative thoughts.
Don't avoid triggers
Identify the event that triggers the rumination. Avoidance may help in the short term, but it will make ruminations worse in the long term.
Understand the causes
Consider what causes your rumination, and be creative about how to solve your negative thoughts. For example, maybe you always say to yourself "I am unlovable," when your partner is away. Perhaps, when you walk by the school where you were once bullied, you say, "I can't stand up for myself." Prepare for it. Try to trigger a rumination and then challenge it or distract yourself.
Talk to a professional
Speaking to a mental health professional may be the best way to work through your negative thoughts.
What is rumination?
Rumination is a type of thought processing disorder in which you continuously think about the same things, which tend to be sad or dark. You may be able to stop the cycle of rumination, or you may find it very difficult to do so.
Rumination can lead to negative moods, substance abuse, stress, anxiety and depression. These challenges can lead to self-harm and suicidal thinking. Rumination is common among those with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. Rumination can also occur on its own.
Symptoms of rumination often include:
Excessive talking or thinking about a difficult event or topic
Irritability
Mood swings
Concentration problems
Feeling unmotivated to do usual activities
Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
Fatigue
Low appetite
Suicidal thoughts
What is rumination?
Rumination is a type of thought processing disorder in which you continuously think about the same things, which tend to be sad or dark. You may be able to stop the cycle of rumination, or you may find it very difficult to do so.
Rumination can lead to negative moods, substance abuse, stress, anxiety and depression. These challenges can lead to self-harm and suicidal thinking. Rumination is common among those with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. Rumination can also occur on its own.
Symptoms of rumination often include:
Excessive talking or thinking about a difficult event or topic
Irritability
Mood swings
Concentration problems
Feeling unmotivated to do usual activities
Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
Fatigue
Low appetite
Suicidal thoughts
CALL TO ACTION
Distract yourself
When you are having ruminative thoughts, try to distract yourself with an activity such as exercise or a walk in the park. The more engrossing the distraction, the better it will work.
Practice mindfulness
Think about all of the things in your life you are thankful for and make a list of them. Refer to this list when you have ruminative thoughts.
Don't avoid triggers
Identify the event that triggers the rumination. Avoidance may help in the short term, but it will make ruminations worse in the long term.
Understand the causes
Consider what causes your rumination, and be creative about how to solve your negative thoughts. For example, maybe you always say to yourself "I am unlovable," when your partner is away. Perhaps, when you walk by the school where you were once bullied, you say, "I can't stand up for myself." Prepare for it. Try to trigger a rumination and then challenge it or distract yourself.
Talk to a professional
Speaking to a mental health professional may be the best way to work through your negative thoughts.
Distract yourself
When you are having ruminative thoughts, try to distract yourself with an activity such as exercise or a walk in the park. The more engrossing the distraction, the better it will work.
Practice mindfulness
Think about all of the things in your life you are thankful for and make a list of them. Refer to this list when you have ruminative thoughts.
Don't avoid triggers
Identify the event that triggers the rumination. Avoidance may help in the short term, but it will make ruminations worse in the long term.
Understand the causes
Consider what causes your rumination, and be creative about how to solve your negative thoughts. For example, maybe you always say to yourself "I am unlovable," when your partner is away. Perhaps, when you walk by the school where you were once bullied, you say, "I can't stand up for myself." Prepare for it. Try to trigger a rumination and then challenge it or distract yourself.
Talk to a professional
Speaking to a mental health professional may be the best way to work through your negative thoughts.
What is rumination?
Rumination is a type of thought processing disorder in which you continuously think about the same things, which tend to be sad or dark. You may be able to stop the cycle of rumination, or you may find it very difficult to do so.
Rumination can lead to negative moods, substance abuse, stress, anxiety and depression. These challenges can lead to self-harm and suicidal thinking. Rumination is common among those with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. Rumination can also occur on its own.
Symptoms of rumination often include:
Excessive talking or thinking about a difficult event or topic
Irritability
Mood swings
Concentration problems
Feeling unmotivated to do usual activities
Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
Fatigue
Low appetite
Suicidal thoughts
CALL TO ACTION
Distract yourself
When you are having ruminative thoughts, try to distract yourself with an activity such as exercise or a walk in the park. The more engrossing the distraction, the better it will work.
Practice mindfulness
Think about all of the things in your life you are thankful for and make a list of them. Refer to this list when you have ruminative thoughts.
Don't avoid triggers
Identify the event that triggers the rumination. Avoidance may help in the short term, but it will make ruminations worse in the long term.
Understand the causes
Consider what causes your rumination, and be creative about how to solve your negative thoughts. For example, maybe you always say to yourself "I am unlovable," when your partner is away. Perhaps, when you walk by the school where you were once bullied, you say, "I can't stand up for myself." Prepare for it. Try to trigger a rumination and then challenge it or distract yourself.
Talk to a professional
Speaking to a mental health professional may be the best way to work through your negative thoughts.
Distract yourself
When you are having ruminative thoughts, try to distract yourself with an activity such as exercise or a walk in the park. The more engrossing the distraction, the better it will work.
Practice mindfulness
Think about all of the things in your life you are thankful for and make a list of them. Refer to this list when you have ruminative thoughts.
Don't avoid triggers
Identify the event that triggers the rumination. Avoidance may help in the short term, but it will make ruminations worse in the long term.
Understand the causes
Consider what causes your rumination, and be creative about how to solve your negative thoughts. For example, maybe you always say to yourself "I am unlovable," when your partner is away. Perhaps, when you walk by the school where you were once bullied, you say, "I can't stand up for myself." Prepare for it. Try to trigger a rumination and then challenge it or distract yourself.
Talk to a professional
Speaking to a mental health professional may be the best way to work through your negative thoughts.
What is rumination?
Rumination is a type of thought processing disorder in which you continuously think about the same things, which tend to be sad or dark. You may be able to stop the cycle of rumination, or you may find it very difficult to do so.
Rumination can lead to negative moods, substance abuse, stress, anxiety and depression. These challenges can lead to self-harm and suicidal thinking. Rumination is common among those with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. Rumination can also occur on its own.
Symptoms of rumination often include:
Excessive talking or thinking about a difficult event or topic
Irritability
Mood swings
Concentration problems
Feeling unmotivated to do usual activities
Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
Fatigue
Low appetite
Suicidal thoughts
CALL TO ACTION
Distract yourself
When you are having ruminative thoughts, try to distract yourself with an activity such as exercise or a walk in the park. The more engrossing the distraction, the better it will work.
Practice mindfulness
Think about all of the things in your life you are thankful for and make a list of them. Refer to this list when you have ruminative thoughts.
Don't avoid triggers
Identify the event that triggers the rumination. Avoidance may help in the short term, but it will make ruminations worse in the long term.
Understand the causes
Consider what causes your rumination, and be creative about how to solve your negative thoughts. For example, maybe you always say to yourself "I am unlovable," when your partner is away. Perhaps, when you walk by the school where you were once bullied, you say, "I can't stand up for myself." Prepare for it. Try to trigger a rumination and then challenge it or distract yourself.
Talk to a professional
Speaking to a mental health professional may be the best way to work through your negative thoughts.
Distract yourself
When you are having ruminative thoughts, try to distract yourself with an activity such as exercise or a walk in the park. The more engrossing the distraction, the better it will work.
Practice mindfulness
Think about all of the things in your life you are thankful for and make a list of them. Refer to this list when you have ruminative thoughts.
Don't avoid triggers
Identify the event that triggers the rumination. Avoidance may help in the short term, but it will make ruminations worse in the long term.
Understand the causes
Consider what causes your rumination, and be creative about how to solve your negative thoughts. For example, maybe you always say to yourself "I am unlovable," when your partner is away. Perhaps, when you walk by the school where you were once bullied, you say, "I can't stand up for myself." Prepare for it. Try to trigger a rumination and then challenge it or distract yourself.
Talk to a professional
Speaking to a mental health professional may be the best way to work through your negative thoughts.
ASSESSMENT
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ASSESSMENT
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ASSESSMENT
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assessment, when selecting options, 1 is false, 5 is true.I am often distracted from my work by negative thoughts.please select an option..I worry about the same things repetitively. please select an option..I find myself repeatedly going over negative interactions that happened in the past.please select an option..I turn small issues into large problems.please select an option..I am unable to stop thinking negatively about my problems.please select an option..I find myself avoiding activities that I used to enjoy.please select an option..My moods can be unpredictable. please select an option..
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Personal Story. Personal Story.
n high school, I was constantly replaying negative thoughts. I ruminated about my health, about my face and hair and about my ability to have a casual conversation.
When I first started university, I thought I had my constant rumination under control. But, during my first year, this flared up again. And it was bad.
I found myself ruminating on everything. I worried about how one event would come back to affect me later. My ruminations swallowed up my whole life for months. I finally decided I couldn't live like this, and I went to see a counsellor. My counsellor told me that stopping rumination required critical thinking about what caused my negative thoughts. She told me I should learn to distract myself, confront my triggers and work on strategies for daily self-esteem boosting. I took this on in the same way one would practice a musical instrument. I noticed that I got better, but it took time. My negative thoughts slowly began to decrease. Today I can function pretty well at school. When I have a negative thought, I am able to dismiss it, rather than dwell on it. I still sometimes catch myself letting my ruminations get the best of me, but I can get back on track.
Did you find this health letter helpful?...Suggestions for future topics?...Suggestions for improving THIS 90Second issue: ...Overall rating of this health letter issue:...
PERSONAL STORY
n high school, I was constantly replaying negative thoughts. I ruminated about my health, about my face and hair and about my ability to have a casual conversation.
When I first started university, I thought I had my constant rumination under control. But, during my first year, this flared up again. And it was bad.
I found myself ruminating on everything. I worried about how one event would come back to affect me later. My ruminations swallowed up my whole life for months. I finally decided I couldn't live like this, and I went to see a counsellor. My counsellor told me that stopping rumination required critical thinking about what caused my negative thoughts. She told me I should learn to distract myself, confront my triggers and work on strategies for daily self-esteem boosting. I took this on in the same way one would practice a musical instrument. I noticed that I got better, but it took time. My negative thoughts slowly began to decrease. Today I can function pretty well at school. When I have a negative thought, I am able to dismiss it, rather than dwell on it. I still sometimes catch myself letting my ruminations get the best of me, but I can get back on track.
RATE OUR HEALTH LETTER
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400-424. Law, K. C. & Tucker, R. P. (2018). Repetitive negative thinking and suicide: A burgeoning literature with need for further exploration. Current Opinion in Psychology, 22, 68-72.
PERSONAL STORY
n high school, I was constantly replaying negative thoughts. I ruminated about my health, about my face and hair and about my ability to have a casual conversation.
When I first started university, I thought I had my constant rumination under control. But, during my first year, this flared up again. And it was bad.
I found myself ruminating on everything. I worried about how one event would come back to affect me later. My ruminations swallowed up my whole life for months. I finally decided I couldn't live like this, and I went to see a counsellor. My counsellor told me that stopping rumination required critical thinking about what caused my negative thoughts. She told me I should learn to distract myself, confront my triggers and work on strategies for daily self-esteem boosting. I took this on in the same way one would practice a musical instrument. I noticed that I got better, but it took time. My negative thoughts slowly began to decrease. Today I can function pretty well at school. When I have a negative thought, I am able to dismiss it, rather than dwell on it. I still sometimes catch myself letting my ruminations get the best of me, but I can get back on track.
RATE OUR HEALTH LETTER
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400-424. Law, K. C. & Tucker, R. P. (2018). Repetitive negative thinking and suicide: A burgeoning literature with need for further exploration. Current Opinion in Psychology, 22, 68-72.
PERSONAL STORY
n high school, I was constantly replaying negative thoughts. I ruminated about my health, about my face and hair and about my ability to have a casual conversation.
When I first started university, I thought I had my constant rumination under control. But, during my first year, this flared up again. And it was bad.
I found myself ruminating on everything. I worried about how one event would come back to affect me later. My ruminations swallowed up my whole life for months. I finally decided I couldn't live like this, and I went to see a counsellor. My counsellor told me that stopping rumination required critical thinking about what caused my negative thoughts. She told me I should learn to distract myself, confront my triggers and work on strategies for daily self-esteem boosting. I took this on in the same way one would practice a musical instrument. I noticed that I got better, but it took time. My negative thoughts slowly began to decrease. Today I can function pretty well at school. When I have a negative thought, I am able to dismiss it, rather than dwell on it. I still sometimes catch myself letting my ruminations get the best of me, but I can get back on track.
RATE OUR HEALTH LETTER
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400-424. Law, K. C. & Tucker, R. P. (2018). Repetitive negative thinking and suicide: A burgeoning literature with need for further exploration. Current Opinion in Psychology, 22, 68-72.
