Rumination

Rumination is a psychological pattern where individuals repeatedly think about distressing events or emotions, often without reaching any resolution. This repetitive negative thinking can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. When the mind is constantly drawn to negative emotions and thoughts, it becomes stuck in a loop of unproductive, distressing thoughts. It's an involuntary, repetitive involuntary thought that represents a failed attempt to respond to psychological distress or moral pain. It takes the form of a repetitive lament that focuses on the symptoms of suffering and/or its possible or supposed causes and consequences.

When one engages in rumination,
they become excessively absorbed in negative thoughts, which are often based on irrational beliefs or exaggerated concerns. This preoccupation with negative thoughts can detract from the proper use of prohairesis (see associated stoic concept), which represents the choice involved in giving or withholding assent to impressions. Instead of using reason to guide one's actions and maintain tranquillity, a person caught in rumination allows
their rational mind to be dominated
by persistent negative thinking.