AI Answer
Rumination and self-reflection are closely related but have different effects on our mental well-being. Rumination, as you mentioned, involves repeatedly thinking about negative experiences, feelings, and thoughts without making progress towards a solution. On the other hand, self-reflection is a more intentional and conscious process of examining one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a constructive manner. While self-reflection can be helpful for personal growth and understanding, rumination tends to lead to heightened feelings of distress and unhappiness. It's important to recognize when rumination becomes excessive and detrimental to our mental health. To shift negative self-dialogue and break the cycle of rumination, practicing self-compassion, challenging negative thoughts, seeking support from others, and engaging in mindfulness or micro-meditation can be valuable tools for promoting a healthier and more balanced mindset.

Unlocking Happiness with Friends with Robert Mack

Yeah , I would say that um I definitely was a ruminated , right ? So , you know , statistically , scientifically , women tend to ruminate more than men , which means you just , you know , you're sort of self reflective but not in a necessarily positive way . You think about what you're thinking about , you think about what you're feeling and you go around and around in circles and I was definitely experiencing that even as a little kid , you know , I would just remember going in circles about that .

Unlocking Happiness with Friends with Robert Mack

Did you , do you feel like that noise was something other than depression or was it something you were struggling with as you ? Yeah , I would say that um I definitely was a ruminated , right ? So , you know , statistically , scientifically , women tend to ruminate more than men , which means you just , you know , you're sort of self reflective but not in a necessarily positive way .

Unlocking Happiness with Friends with Robert Mack

So , you know , statistically , scientifically , women tend to ruminate more than men , which means you just , you know , you're sort of self reflective but not in a necessarily positive way . You think about what you're thinking about , you think about what you're feeling and you go around and around in circles and I was definitely experiencing that even as a little kid , you know , I would just remember going in circles about that . It's like having your will stuck in the mud and just keep hitting the gas harder and harder to try to get out .

Unlocking Happiness with Friends with Robert Mack

It is a habit . It is a thought process is a , is a habit . You've been perfecting for years , years to unwind that .

Unlocking Happiness with Friends with Robert Mack

In fact , you will weed out information that contradicts your self concept . So if you have a negative self , self concept will actually go out and seek unwittingly unconsciously , sometimes wittingly unconsciously information that validates the negative view you have of yourself . That's why it's so important to help shift that you and you need support .