[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

annah, I would suggest that the word you use - control - is an indicator of why this is so difficult. Constantly trying to be in control of anything is a sure way to lose your mind...and not in a good way. If you are vigilantly trying to replace negative thoughts with positive and keep your mind quiet at all times, you will certainly be exhausted and frustrated. For me, allowing the thoughts to come as they will is fine. Then, instead of focusing on them and continuing down a particular line of thought, I just notice the thought and then go on with whatever I was doing.

For instance, I might have a thought that says "you are a good for nothing loser" or "no one loves you" - both very distrubing and detrimental thoughts. Instead of trying to refute those thoughts or think on all the ways they may or may not be true, I simply acknowledge them and then go on to whatever is next, say washing a dish or eating my lunch. Then, the thoughts are there, but they have no power to affect my mood. I recognize them as thoughts. I allow them space and because of that, they dissipate. Trying to contain them or obliterate them seems to make them stronger.

I have been in the same situation as you. I was tormented and frustrated by all my thoughts. I felt like I had no control and I would never get peace. But I was egging those thoughts on by latching onto them and trying so hard to do something with them. I have by no means mastered anything here, I'm just letting you know what worked for me. That is, to stop trying so hard. I wish you the best!