I think it is about *not* controlling your thoughts, but giving them some attention and then allowing them to exit. Meditation is about letting go, starting over, so it may be that a meditation class would help you.

I used to think meditation was just a bunch of woo-woo junk, then I tried it, and kept at it, then started Tai Chi and found the ability to go deeper. I wouldn't claim that it's for everybody, but the worst that can happen is nothing. Not the worst side effect I've ever heard.