He huan pi (Albizia julibrissin bark) [ https://planetherbs.com/research-center/specific-herbs-articles/albizia-the-tree-of-happiness/ ]
I buy a 5x powdered extract from Plum Flower or E-fong and pill it up myself. 3-5 capsules, depending, and after about 20 minutes, I'm a bit less in my own way for ≈6hrs with no side effects or dip the next day.
I've described it as the difference between a room and a room w. windows. Or like just softening my own edges. Doesn't change or prohibit emotions, just gives me a grounding to deal with them. Love it so.
@markwyner if you’re thinking of ADHD meds, they changed my life.
I decided to go on them in my early 20’s because one time before I was medicated, I almost jumped off of a 3 story observation deck because I was feeling joyful and I didn’t see the drop on the other side of the wall I was about make a running jump over.
I knew I had a problem. I was already working hard on myself, but I didn’t succeed at understanding myself until I got on medication.
I only wish it didn’t take me so long to get to that point.
I had a former friend who hated it. He was a real loose cannon and his identity revolved around being a bit antisocial. Being less impulsive blunted his abrasiveness and he saw it as a form of capitulation… tried it briefly and had nothing good to say about it.
@markwyner
Everyone is different and each doctor has their biases, so with that in mind here is my experience but not a recommendation for everyone.
I went down the meds path for a decade and after hearing "We just need to adjust your meds again", or "try a different med or combination of..."
I gave up.
Found a great counsellor who I saw for a couple of years, studied a bit of eastern philosophy, learned meditation, healthy eating, a little exercise on a regular basis, -I am happier.
@Snowshadow love to hear that you found a healthy path for yourself. I’m not even sure I’m gonna go down the meds path. Just exploring options. And if I do, it will supplement my meditation, therapy, etc.
@markwyner Sounds like you are on the right track...using meditation etc.
It's difficult in today's world to feel 'settled', not to feel anxious. We are going through troubled times.
I think everyone in their own way is struggling. (perhaps not so much those who are extremely wealthy but that's for another discussion another day. lol)
Sending wishes for a better tomorrow.😀
@Snowshadow thanks, friend. I have good days and bad. And, yeah, the state of the world isn’t helping. At least there are some good people in the world. Gotta make them the focus however possible.
@markwyner No experience with ADHD. But I had awful problems with depression and anxiety when I was younger.
I had excellent results from long-term use of some medications. I tried different ones, due to side effects, but they all worked.
Some of the side effects I experienced were dry mouth, weight gain, and "brain zaps" when coming off of a particular medication. Brain zaps sound scary, but they're harmless. It just feels like the little electric shock that you get from static electricity.
@markwyner Also keep in mind that it's difficult (if not impossible) for any other person to recommend a specific medication to you -- effectiveness and side effects vary widely from person to person. What one person experienced might not be at all what you would experience.
@WhippoorwillSong oh, definitely. By “recommendation” I only meant about things to ask about, etc. My doctor and therapist are the ones who I’ll work with on making the actual decision.
@markwyner
When I got frustrated, back in the day, I would get a very vivid and sudden image of me putting a gun to my head. I didn't own a gun, but the persistent suicidal imagery scared me enough to finally try antidepressants.
Two weeks in the turned off like a light switch.
They didn't fix everything, but I am content to take Sertraline for the rest of my life.
@markwyner
The med I got put on took a couple month to kick in, but it took away the suicidal thoughts. Depression is still around, but I can manage things.
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