Question about DBT skills

L helped me come up with a crisis curve chart. At the bottom is the trigger. Next is my typical first reaction. Then, second, third, fourth, etc. going up the hill as it escalates. At the top of the hill is the crisis point. This helps me better identify my symptoms before I reach a crisis. Sometimes, yes, I still can hit crisis point fast. But my reactions are almost always the same.

L and I have also made a crisis plan and coping skills list so it is readily available when I need it. Sometimes I don't want to use my skills, but I made some agreements with L and I stick to those no matter what. That is my default.

I don't actually remember the specific skills like what DearMan stands for. I have a bad memory, so I can't. But I do remember basic skills like opposite reaction or 'I feel...' statements. And my list of coping skills for distract in 'delay, distract, decide'.

It takes time. Like zoiecat said, it's best to practice these skills daily even or especially if there's no crisis. You want it to become part of your routine. Because often times in a crisis, that's what you fall back on. You're in panic mode and you just want relief.