Sometimes you can head off emotional struggles before they
happen. Distraction is good for that. Sometimes you can't, in
which case you have to let them run their course. But remember
that emotions have a biochemical basis and sometimes the
solution can be the right piece of music, a pill for a headache,
a bit more sleep, food, laughing at a comedy show.
Finding ways to let the dark clouds pass by to allow a little
sun to break through is helpful.
I've even timed it. When I feel anxious (anxiety is a problem I
suffer from), I found it takes about 45 minutes for the grip to
go away completely. That's a VERY long time. But it _does_ pass.
I go to a dark room. Or if I'm in a public place, maybe I go
outside. Or sit in a bathroom. Or splash my face with water.
Something. Or I go for a walk.
None of these fix the direct problem but the more coping skills
you gather up in your armory, you may eventually find the
enemy's power evaporates.
