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Definition: Rumination (ruminate, ruminating)

The literal meaning of rumination is the process of regurgitation, chewing, and reswallowing of food, carried out by ruminants such as cows.

From this it has come to mean to the process of emotional introspection, that is spending excessive amounts of time worrying and 'chewing over' anxieties and concerns.

Excessive and prolonged rumination is both a symptom and cause of depression.

Further information

* Depression Forum

* Depression Learning Path info on rumination
Run by Uncommon Knowledge, the Depression Learning Path is a free online guide to the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression, including reviews of anti-depressants and other drug treatments, teen depression, drug withdrawal symptoms, self help approaches and depression therapy. Information in the Learning Path includes:

Rumination and the cycle of depression
Treating depression by reducing rumination