Have you ever found yourself stuck replaying the same thoughts or worries over and over? That’s rumination. It’s like your brain hitting “repeat” on a playlist you didn’t ask for. Although thinking about a problem can sometimes help us solve it, rumination isn’t productive. Instead, it leaves us feeling trapped, anxious, or even more stressed.
So, why does it happen?
Our brains are wired to solve problems, but sometimes they get stuck on things we can’t control or change. This often happens when we’re dealing with big emotions like guilt, regret, or fear. For young people, rumination can pop up around things like school, relationships, or self-esteem—stuff that feels really important (and it is!).
The tricky part? Rumination feels like we’re doing something useful, but it often just makes us feel worse!
The next time you catch yourself stuck in this loop, try interrupting it. Get up, move your body, focus on something that makes you happy, or talk it out with someone you trust. You don’t have to stay stuck—your brain just needs a little nudge to focus on the now.
Have you ever dealt with rumination? What’s worked for you? Let’s share tips!
thanks for the input, i ‘researched’ for my rumination reasons and ur point is new to me. Right now stuck with intrusive uncontrollable ruminations of someone i hate, cuz i’ve been in my room doing online classes and never hanged out much w people
Thanks for sharing with us your thoughts, it sounds like you’re really reflecting deeply on this, and it’s tough being stuck with those kinds of intrusive thoughts. Being cooped up and isolated can definitely make it harder to distract your mind from them.
Maybe finding small ways to step out of your room or connect with others, even in small doses, could help a bit? It’s not easy, but it sounds like you’re trying to figure it out, and that’s a solid first step.
I’m wondering, have you noticed if there’s anything that helps even a little, like certain activities or shifts in your environment, when the ruminations feel overwhelming?
Our brains are wired to solve problems, but sometimes they get stuck on things we can’t control or change. This often happens when we’re dealing with big emotions like guilt, regret, or fear. For young people, rumination can pop up around things like school, relationships, or self-esteem—stuff that feels really important (and it is!).