My Italian caveat to the “keep busy to keep bad thoughts away” idea is that it doesn’t have to mean being a Protestant workaholic. You can keep busy making meals for your loved ones, talking to your neighbours, reading books. Keep the darkness out by being too busy enjoying life.
“i’m 27 years old, i’ve no money and no prospects. i’m already a burden to my parents, and i’m frightened” is as relevant today as when jane austen wrote it in 1813
i dated a guy like this once who was so addicted to belittling my interests that he found ways of making fun of my love for even non-stereotypically “girly” things like game of thrones & it is one of my great regrets that i didn’t stand up for myself like this woman!!!!!