I have read your original post several times.

Self-Control is the absolute toughest skill to obtain in life. If you look at everyday activity you would assume you are not in control of things around you. But there is one thing you can control...yourself...that is it. That is ultimately the only thing you can control.

So how does someone control themselves? Self-Actualization. You need to learn as much about how your body/mind works as possible. By learning how you work, you can start to develop methodology to control yourself. Once you start understanding yourself better it will increase your confidence. Over time you will be able to react to situations better.

This is not a full-proof method though. If your mind gets too far down and depression starts developing, you will lose your ability to be self-aware. This is why during bipolar depression people tend to lose the ability to take care of themselves properly.

For now just take time to think about your responses before acting. You will need to practice this. A lot of times my wife wants back and forth convo rapid fire...but more often its best to think/listen/respond. Think about it.

You are on the right track though. I read an An Quiet Mind after I was diagnosed with bipolar before I went back to work. It didn't stop me from becoming severly depressed. But I know the warning signs now.