My very first go-to is music. LOUD. My therapist has actually "prescribed" half an hour of music every day. It's the vibration that soothes me. When I'm totally on edge, uptight, furious, distraught, sobbing, etc. ......my husband will find me standing in front of the speakers with my body wrapped around the sub woofer box. That bass beat soothes me and brings my heartbeat down. I have different playlists for different moods. The lyrics that I can sob along with help.

I too use forums but always feel like I'm wasting people's time as I find it impossible to write ANYTHING briefly.

How else do you think you could take care of yourself when you are upset? There are so many alternatives to being hugged.