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We all have those moments when nothing seems to be going right, contributing to a pessimistic mindset. But being in a state of self-pity is a rabbit hole no one wants to get into. 

Everyone goes through a rough patch where they would think everything bad happens to them. It results in a tremendous amount of stress that then leads to some form of self-pity. Feeling sorry for oneself can sometimes be reasonable, but when it gets out of hand, it can become a habit that is difficult to manage. It hinders a person's potential for growth, and it could push their loved ones away. Here's how to avoid going too deep into self-pity.

Vent to your close connections

A study from 2007 showed that labeling or verbally expressing one's feelings can help the brain react less strongly to negative emotions. This is why when a person is stressed, sharing information or stories about what makes them feel that way helps relieve the stress, even if venting does not exactly solve the problem.  

Steer clear of the victim mentality

When a person switches their mentality from being the victim in every situation to "everyone feels that way sometimes," it can help shift their perspective. From being a victim to being a survivor, a person can teach themselves self-compassion and self-identification. 

Practice mindfulness and gratitude

Mindfulness practices can help with living in the moment without getting stuck in a stressful situation. Combining this with gratitude will help a person avoid self-pity. For example, even after a bad experience, being mindful and grateful of the fact that they have a roof over their head will help them focus more on the good things happening to them.