In the TTRPG Earthdawn there is a group called the Blood Elves, who earned their name from enacting a ritual during the Scourge to stop the Horrors from devouring their land and their people (whole lot of history in that game, if none of that makes sense I'm sorry LOL). This Ritual of Thorns made it so that thorns are constantly growing out of their skin, keeping them in a constant state of pain; this pain is what made them undesirable to the Horrors, who actually fed on pain, terror and misery.
I bring this up because whenever I'm asked about any hopes, goals or dreams I have -and I tell people I have none- I think about that example. Life cannot disappoint me or take away my dreams if I refuse to have any. You can't take away hope from someone who has none. You can't hurt me if I'm constantly hurting.
And yes, I'm sure that some of you may think that's barbaric, but as cruel to myself as it may be, it is effective.
P.S. Before anyone suggests therapy or medication, just know that modern therapy in the west is based on us being happy little workers and getting back to that state for the good of the Capitalists, so I'm good in that regard. Plus, being numb wouldn't solve anything; at least hurting I know I'm still alive...