Change Your Brain Every Day: Paul Wesley—Vampire Diaries, Mental Health, Mood & Happiness

In this compelling episode of Change Your Brain Every Day, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen engage in an in-depth conversation with actor Paul Wesley, best known for his role in the Vampire Diaries. Released on February 3, 2025, the episode delves into Paul’s personal experiences with mental health, brain injuries, and his journey towards optimizing brain function for enhanced mood and happiness.

1. Paul Wesley’s Near-Death Experience and Early Brain Trauma

[00:00] Paul Wesley:
Paul begins the discussion by recounting a life-altering car accident during his senior year of high school. “I was in a car accident. I honestly probably shouldn't have been alive. I was asleep... the person who was driving the car fell asleep, went off the highway, flipped over” (00:00). The accident left Paul with a severe concussion, sparking his awareness of how critical brain health is.

[02:57] Tana Amen:
Tana interjects with her philosophy, emphasizing that mental health is intrinsically linked to brain health. “I often say it's not mental illness, it's brain health” (02:57). This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Paul's brain health journey.

2. Early Life: High School Struggles and Finding Purpose

[05:24] Tana Amen:
Tana probes into Paul’s upbringing, asking about his early life. Paul shares, “I went to three different high schools, got kicked out of two of them for fighting” (07:15). He reflects on the tough environment of his New Jersey neighborhood, where physical prowess often overshadowed intellectual or creative talents.

[08:43] Paul Wesley:
Transitioning to his discovery of New York City, Paul describes how exposure to diverse cultures and the arts transformed his life. “I discovered New York city... this whole other world of cultures and art” (08:43). This revelation led him to pursue acting seriously, marking a turning point from his rebellious high school years.

3. Transition to Acting and Career Highlights

[11:33] Tana Amen:
Tana shifts the conversation to Paul’s passion for acting. Paul explains how he ventured into theater during his time at an all-boys Catholic school, eventually moving to Manhattan to pursue acting full-time. “I ended up getting an apartment in the West Village... had the time of my life” (12:48).

[13:23] Paul Wesley:
Paul reflects on his favorite projects, expressing pride in both mainstream and independent work. “The Vampire Diaries for eight years, which was a huge worldwide phenomenon... and smaller independent films that nobody’s ever seen” (13:27). He also mentions his role in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds as Captain Kirk, highlighting his desire to diversify his acting portfolio.

4. Current Challenges: Brain Fog, Focus, and Mood Issues

[15:03] Tana Amen:
The discussion turns to Paul’s current mental health challenges. At 42, Paul feels increased brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty focusing—issues that were negligible in his younger years. “I feel more lethargic, I have more brain fog, I have more memory issues” (03:51).

[19:00] Tana Amen:
Paul discusses his existing exercise routine, which has become sporadic due to his busy schedule. “I haven't worked out in about three months... a bit of resistance weightlifting” (32:44). Tana points out the lack of coordination exercises in his routine, essential for activating the cerebellum and enhancing brain function.

5. The 1840-60 Rule and Personal Growth

[15:17] Paul Wesley:
When asked about his goals between now and age 70, Paul aspires for continued success in entertainment and personal growth. He expresses a desire to diversify his acting roles and start a company with Ian Somerhalder, aiming to create something lasting for future generations. “I'd like to have another big success in my entertainment field... start a company” (15:17).

[16:20] Tana Amen:
Tana introduces the “1840-60 rule,” a guiding principle for personal development across different life stages. “When you're 18, you worry about what everybody's thinking of you... at 40, you don't give a damn... at 60, you realize nobody has been thinking about you at all” (16:20). This rule encourages Paul to focus on self-improvement and authentic self-expression rather than external validation.

6. Understanding and Addressing Brain Injuries with SPECT Scans

[22:04] Tana Amen:
The conversation deepens as Tana explains the significance of SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scans in diagnosing and treating brain injuries. She emphasizes the importance of looking beyond symptoms to understand the underlying brain activity. “There are spec cameras in every major hospital... the brain SPECT has been around for 30 some years” (22:04).

[22:27] Paul Wesley:
Paul recounts his extensive history with head trauma, including repetitive concussions from playing ice hockey, boxing, and getting into fights during high school. “I’ve been knocked out multiple times” (23:28). Tana explains how these injuries have likely contributed to his current brain health issues, particularly damage to his temporal lobes and prefrontal cortex.

[24:57] Tana Amen:
Using Paul's brain scan, Tana identifies areas of concern, notably reduced activity in his temporal lobes and prefrontal cortex. “This is a dent from a concussion... low activity in your temporal lobes” (29:11). She stresses the importance of addressing these issues to prevent future cognitive decline.

7. Action Plan for Brain Health Optimization

[31:02] Paul Wesley:
Faced with the reality of his brain scan, Paul expresses determination to follow Tana’s recommendations to improve his brain health. “And who knows, that may have been a factor as well” (26:28).

[31:06] Tana Amen:
Tana outlines a comprehensive plan for Paul, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a tailored supplement regimen, and specific brain-boosting exercises. She highlights the potential for recovery and normalization of brain activity with dedicated effort. “It can come back... have to be serious about it” (31:06).

[33:55] Paul Wesley:
Acknowledging his current shortcomings, Paul admits, “I have terrible balance and I have a terrible back, and I have terrible knees” (33:16). Tana recommends integrating coordination exercises, such as ping pong coaching, to activate and strengthen Paul’s cerebellum and frontal lobes, thereby enhancing overall brain function.

[34:12] Paul Wesley:
Paul reflects on Tana’s advice and the importance of consistency in his brain health journey. “Wow. Okay” (34:13). Dr. Amen echoes the importance of continual improvement, urging listeners to adopt a mindset of “win or learn” to navigate their mental health challenges effectively (35:01).

8. Conclusion: Embracing a Brain Health Journey

The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to take control of their brain health, emphasizing that proactive measures can lead to significant improvements in mood, memory, and overall well-being. Dr. Amen invites listeners to explore Amen University for further education on enhancing brain function and mental health.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Wesley [00:00]: “I honestly probably shouldn't have been alive... my brain got so rattled during that accident.”

• Tana Amen [16:20]: “When you're 18, you worry about what everybody's thinking of you... at 60, you realize nobody has been thinking about you at all.”

• Paul Wesley [26:28]: “God, my brain got so rattled during that accident.”

• Tana Amen [22:27]: “The temporal lobes... are hurt in terrors. Neurons, it tears blood vessels, it causes swelling and inflammation.”

• Dr. Daniel Amen [35:20]: “Change your brain every day.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Early Brain Trauma Impacts Long-Term Health: Paul's history of concussions from sports and accidents has lasting effects on his brain health, contributing to issues like brain fog and memory loss.

2. Importance of Comprehensive Brain Evaluation: Utilizing SPECT scans allows for a detailed understanding of brain activity, enabling targeted interventions beyond traditional psychiatric diagnoses.

3. Holistic Approach to Brain Health: Combining therapies like hyperbaric oxygen, supplements, and coordination exercises can significantly enhance brain function and overall well-being.

4. Personal Growth and Mental Resilience: Embracing principles like the 1840-60 rule and maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement are crucial for long-term mental health and personal fulfillment.

5. Proactive Brain Health Management: Taking control of brain health through informed strategies can lead to improved mood, better focus, and a more satisfying life.

This episode serves as an insightful exploration of how personal experiences with brain injuries and mental health challenges can be addressed through a comprehensive, science-backed approach to brain health. Paul Wesley's journey underscores the importance of understanding and nurturing our most vital organ to achieve lasting happiness and success.