Yes it is very alien to try and self soothe, in fact i was speaking to my therapist yesterday saying that when i try to do something that is good for me my anxiety seems to increase, she says this is because it is not familiar to me. She says that all the crap, bad, reckless habits i have, although in the long term make things worse for me they are more familiar so i feel more comfortable to me. If that makes sense.

Music is definatly a massive help to me. I also have been trying to use my cat as a self soother lol, cuddling up with him when i feel distressed.