I think that there are many interpretations of the concept of "self pity". You don't specify what sorts of thoughts you are referring to. In my experience, I

I think that there are many interpretations of the concept of "self pity". You don't specify what sorts of thoughts you are referring to. In my experience, I can't tell whether depression leads to self-pity or the other way around. The "falling into" part is hard to discern until you are already in that negative space. If I find myself lashing out at others and hurting them, I stop and ask myself how am I hurting? Why do I feel that the people I hurt are out to hurt me. The act of "stepping outside of myself" in the moment provides an alternative perspective and the kernel upon which I can forge a new direction, hopefully out of the pit of self-pity. Not easy but achievable.