How do I eliminate my mind's need to be distracted by illusions in life?

Ok. Well I had the same problem as you and its taken me a VERY long time to learn how to control my emotions because that is basically all it is, controlling your emotions. Everyone is different and you can ask heaps of people what to do and how to do it but you are the one that has to find YOUR light. Things that distract my mind: movies, studying, candles, burning lavender oil, painting, and talking on the computer. It can be anything! I live my life by the saying "DO OR DO NOT, THERE IS NO TRY"-YODA. Kind of weird but it works for me. Focus on your mental strength and making it stronger. When you feel yourself slipping into a depressed state hoist yourself up quickly think of your "light" or do something that you can focus on.