I've been trying lately to not let my feelings/emotions take the lead by reminding myself it's just a feeling it can't hurt me and it won't last forever. Practice sitting with the discomfort. When it gets really bad I have a system where I'll put on my "Mozart for Meditation" CD (or whatever calming music I want), light a scented candle, turn the lights off, and wrap myself in a blanket burrito (just gotta remember to blow out the candle before falling asleep!) Sometimes journaling in a stream of consciousness way helps too.