Hi Marcus,
Thanks for sharing. When left to just our thoughts (or the thoughts that happen to manifest at a certain point in time, they are not necessarily "ours" or unique to us) we are most vulnerable to the feelings you describe. Distraction, as you said and as Paul mentions, is a nice way to steady ourselves and pull ourselves out of the trap that is our mind at times. While a great coping mechanism, distraction will not heal us.
Mindfulness, of our thoughts, of our feelings, of the very basis of the manifestation of that point a picture or shape or sound takes hold in our mind, is how we heal. A terrific book that you should read is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This, I believe, will resonate very well with you and perhaps shed some light on "how" it is you are experiencing these feelings, and ultimately "what" to do about it. It is a recalibration of our habit behaviours, from inception of a thought to execution of an action.
Search the term "mindfulness" as there is much in this topic that will help you.
As Paul says, it is only a "feeling". The feeling is not you, you are not it, it does not define you nor control you. It only has power so far as we identify with it. Once we become the observer of the feeling, we break our connection with it and its power over us.
Distraction, exercise, laughter, meditation, socializing etc. are all great temporary techniques to break its momentum. Mindfulness is, however, the permanent cure.
I wish you well, come back and chat anytime.
Steve
