Downward Spiral

A Downward Spiral is when things gradually go from bad to worse to even worse to as bad as they can get. A Downward Spiral can take many forms, with such forms being emotional, mental, social, economic, environmental, or academic. Spirals are typically chronic, meaning that they continue for long periods of time. Spirals can last for months, years, or even decades depending on the kind of Spiral that it is. There are some Spirals that never get resolved unless some kind of intervention forces them into ending.

Downward Spirals in fiction can be the result of many things. They could rise from a character's depression after they experience heartbreak or have a loved one die, the law in society being absent, or the lack of leadership in a group after its leader, for whatever reason, is unable to provide direction for their organization.