Do we have a choice?
Sometimes we have to reflect.But it can turn into rumination which is linked to much mental suffering and even illness.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24444431
Extract:
“We found that people who didn’t ruminate or blame themselves for their difficulties had much lower levels of depression and anxiety, even if they’d experienced many negative events in their lives,” says Peter Kinderman, who led the study and is a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Liverpool.”Dwelling on negative thoughts and self blame have previously been recognised as important when it comes to mental health, but not to the extent this study has shown.
“The findings suggest both are crucial psychological pathways to depression and anxiety”
