Podcast Summary: "Change Your Brain Every Day"
Episode: Alysha Newman's Journey Out of the Doom Loop to Olympic Glory
Release Date: November 4, 2024
Hosts: Dr. Daniel & Tana Amen

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Change Your Brain Every Day," New York Times bestselling authors Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen sit down with Olympic medalist Alicia Newman to delve into her transformative journey from battling mental health challenges to achieving Olympic glory. Alicia shares her personal struggles, the pivotal moment that led her to seek help, and the comprehensive brain health strategies that empowered her to overcome adversity and excel at the highest level of athletic competition.

Alicia's Struggle with Mental Health

[00:00 - 06:00]

Alicia opens up about the tumultuous period in her life marked by severe mood swings and emotional instability following a concussion. She describes waking up feeling invincible one moment and then plunging into deep despair hours later. Alicia recounts, “There was one day I'd wake up, I would be like, this is the best life ever. And then two hours later, I wanted nothing to do with life” (00:00)

The initial misdiagnosis led to a regimen of antidepressants, which exacerbated her condition, resulting in physical side effects like hives and increased alcohol consumption. Alicia reflects, “I needed that to happen, to be who I am today. But at the time, it was such a wrong diagnosis” (00:41). This period culminated in a breakdown during the Tokyo Olympics, forcing her to retreat to her parents' home for support.

Meeting Dr. Amen and the Path to Diagnosis

[06:00 - 12:00]

Alicia reached out to Dr. Amen through Instagram during her darkest moments. She explains, “I just need help. I'm, I have don't know where to go” (04:54), signaling her readiness to seek professional help. Dr. Amen identifies her condition as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which often goes undiagnosed but significantly impacts individuals' lives. “Mild traumatic brain injury ruins people's lives, and nobody knows about it” (06:20) emphasizes the severity of her condition.

Understanding the Doom Loop and Pain Pathways

[12:00 - 16:00]

Dr. Amen introduces the concept of the "doom loop," an acronym for Pain, Overload, and More, which Alicia embodies. He explains how her past traumas, including a childhood back injury and ongoing bullying, exacerbated her vulnerability. “Failure clearly is past trauma” (12:25) highlights how these experiences activated her brain's medial pain suffering pathway, leading to persistent anxiety and emotional turmoil.

Alicia shares physical manifestations of her mental state, such as headaches and muscle tension, which she initially couldn't attribute to her brain injury. “That was also a physical warning, you know, for me” (13:34) underscores the interconnectedness of her mental and physical health struggles.

Healing Strategies: EMDR, Positivity Bias, and Supplementation

[16:00 - 25:00]

Alicia and Dr. Amen embark on a multifaceted healing journey. They utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to address trauma and implement positivity bias training to combat negative thoughts. Alicia describes the emergence of "minions" in her subconscious, playful symbols that helped her manage her anxiety: “They were just... little fun little guys” (21:56).

Nutrition plays a crucial role in Alicia's recovery. She transitions from high-sugar snacks like dried mangoes and Red Bull to a balanced diet that stabilizes her blood sugar, preventing energy crashes during competitions. “Changing from jasmine rice to brown rice... was huge” (31:19) reflects her commitment to fueling her brain and body correctly.

Dr. Amen also introduces hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which Alicia credits with significant improvements in her brain health. “And then we get involved with minions, and while we were at the Olympics...” (25:02).

Overcoming Injuries and Building Resilience

[25:00 - 37:00]

Alicia faces another setback with a severe ankle sprain just months before the Olympics. Despite the pain and multiple treatments, including PRP shots and acupuncture, she maintains her resolve to compete. “I can't let this injury tell me I'm not going to medal” (25:16) demonstrates her unwavering determination.

Dr. Amen and Alicia develop strategies to manage stress and prevent further injuries, such as heart rate variability (HRV) training and building a supportive team. Alicia’s mental fortitude grows as she adopts the mantra “Never fail, I win or I learn” (09:39), fostering a proactive mindset essential for elite performance.

Olympic Preparation and Mindset Mastery

[37:00 - 48:00]

In the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, Alicia and Dr. Amen fine-tune her mental strategies. They emphasize living in the moment and avoiding overthinking, encapsulated in Alicia’s proposed book title, Just the Next Bar. “Being present allowed me to just take one bar at a time” (57:03).

Alicia adopts affirmations and visualization techniques, scripting her success and reinforcing her goals daily. “I am a world-class, charismatic pole vaulter who will compete for an Olympic gold medal” (58:20) serves as a powerful affirmation that anchors her focus and confidence.

Olympic Performance and Achieving Glory

[48:00 - 69:00]

Alicia’s persistence pays off as she qualifies for the finals in Paris, overcoming stage fright and performing under pressure. Despite a minor stumble, she remains focused on her mantra, “Never fail, I win or I learn” (09:39), and channels her negative experiences into fuel for her performance.

During the finals, Alicia executes flawless jumps, ultimately securing a bronze medal with a personal best of 485 cm. Her celebration, marked by a lighthearted dance, symbolizes her triumph over adversity. “I am better than I was the day before or the previous 15 years of my career” (54:19) captures her journey of continuous improvement and resilience.

Legacy and Inspiring the Next Generation

[69:00 - End]

Post-Olympics, Alicia shifts her focus to inspiring future athletes. She plans to establish a facility dedicated to training young pole vaulters, emphasizing brain health and mental resilience. “No goal is too big to accomplish” (71:18) encapsulates her commitment to empowering the next generation.

Alicia also highlights the importance of giving back and maintaining a positive, fulfilled life. “Win the lottery. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, help others” (66:13) underscores her philosophy of pursuing personal success while uplifting those around her.

Notable Quotes

• Alicia Newman: “There was one day I'd wake up, I would be like, this is the best life ever. And then two hours later, I wanted nothing to do with life.” (00:00)
• Dr. Daniel Amen: “Mild traumatic brain injury ruins people's lives, and nobody knows about it.” (06:20)
• Alicia Newman: “I can't let this injury tell me I'm not going to medal.” (25:16)
• Alicia Newman: “Never fail, I win or I learn.” (09:39)
• Alicia Newman: “I am better than I was the day before or the previous 15 years of my career.” (54:19)
• Alicia Newman: “No goal is too big to accomplish.” (71:18)

Conclusion

Alicia Newman's story is a testament to the power of mental resilience, brain health, and unwavering determination. Through her collaboration with Dr. Daniel Amen and the implementation of comprehensive brain health strategies, Alicia not only overcame significant personal challenges but also achieved Olympic success. Her journey underscores the importance of addressing mental health with the same seriousness as physical health, inspiring listeners to take control of their brain and body for lasting well-being and achievement.

For more insights and resources on brain health, visit Change Your Brain Foundation.

Follow Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen on Social Media:

• Instagram: @TanaAmen
• TikTok: @DocAmen
• Alicia Newman: Add Alicia Newman on Instagram