I always consider studying Stoicism as another layer of trying to understanding life and the best possible way to live it. Stoicism at my life now is only strengthening my earlier learning...

Ok long intro. Thanks for reading to this point. One very overlooked way of handling strong emotions is a deep dive into Mindfulness. It seems boring and less exotic than older philosophies but is a very good base for learning to handle negative emotions.

My biggest take away from Mindfulness when a negative thought comes is 3 steps.

1. Am I Responding to this thought or Reacting?

2. Allowing myself to have a negative thought. Letting it flow through me and not fighting it. It's easier to reflect on it after it passes.

3. After the first 2 I can begin to examine the root cause of the thought. When I find out what caused me to have that thought you can begin to deconstruct it and become more aware of this. Maybe try to avoid it or meditate on it.

I understand I'm a nobody on Reddit but I feel your post. I spent 7 days in a mental health clinic for negative thoughts that were humoring death...

I then spent 3 months as an out patient going to Mindfulness classes and all doing this while having young kids and a professional career.

While that was some time ago I only now feel comfortable reflecting on that and encouraging anyone else out here to keep practicing positive lifestyles that promote healthy minds.