Thanks for all the great comments.

I can't deny having problems. I am in a period of my life where I have overwhelming problems. In fact, it sometimes seems to me that all I have are problems.

I have been in this place a few times in my life. Usually it is when I am in transition, and when things are changing, and it requires a shift in thinking and behavior.

I did not want to give the impression that I have "found the way."

In fact, it has been a year this August since I have been trying to figure out how to manage my mental health.

I cleaned up my diet, and lifestyle. I take vitamins. Etc.

I have not been on any Psych medicines for a year, however, in the last month I was given a very low dosage benzodiazapine to get me through a rough period of intense anxiety. I have taken diazepam in the past, but I find that now I don't like it. It does reduce the anxiety a bit but leaves me feeling tired and a bit foggy, which I don't like. And this is on a very low dosage.

However, the temporary reduction in anxiety has given me a chance to really embrace cognitive and behavioral changes.

Some posters have commented that doing a daily contract might be a stress inducing responsibility.

But if doing this contract allows me even 5 minutes of relief daily it is worth it.

I have a lot of respect for the people who have completed a year, or even more, studying and practicing CBT and DBT skills. As one poster commented on another thread...it's a lifelong practice.