Brain Fog: Symptoms, Causes, and What to Do if You Have It
“Brain Fog” is one of those mental health terms that’s become mainstream, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, but what does it actually mean? Brain fog is a syndrome, or group of symptoms, that impact how you think, concentrate, and perform mentally. This condition can impact your performance at work or school, lead to frustration, and even make you lose confidence in your abilities. Read on to learn about the symptoms and causes of brain fog and how it may be overcome.
Brain fog is a cognitive phenomenon that makes it more difficult to think clearly, concentrate, and make decisions. Common symptoms of brain fog include:
Forgetfulness, misplacing items, searching for words, and struggling to remember things you usually can, such as names or dates.
Difficulty focusing, zoning out, and being easily distracted.
Feeling overwhelmed by choices and having difficulty making decisions.
Feeling disconnected or spaced out from your environment.
Mental and physical fatigue, feeling like you need more breaks to get through the day.
Slow thought process or reaction time.
There are many possible causes of brain fog, not all of them serious. Causes of this syndrome include:
Neurodivergence such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Low blood sugar, especially in diabetes.
Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause.
Lack of sleep.
Stress.
Poor nutrition.
Long COVID-19, chemotherapy, or a long hospital stay.
As you can see, almost none of the potential causes of brain fog have quick fixes. If you believe that brain fog may accompany a medical condition you have or a treatment you are receiving, contact your provider right away to discuss your symptoms. If you think your brain fog might be due to lifestyle issues like stress and poor sleep, it may be time to consider changes that can improve and lengthen your life. Some changes that may help include:
Prioritizing sleep hygiene and improving your diet, such as aiming to include 2-3 fruits and vegetables a day.
Getting 30 minutes of physical activity a day - exercise is the best medicine we know of for mental sharpness and overall mental health.
Coping with brain fog by using notes and reminders and taking more frequent breaks.
Perhaps the most useful recommendation for someone experiencing brain fog is to seek mental health counseling. An experienced therapist can use techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy to address any underlying conditions that may be contributing to brain fog, improve your mental acuity, and bolster your coping skills. Looking for an experienced therapist to help you overcome brain fog in Macomb County, MI? Look no further than AWC - give us a call at (248) 413 - 5865 or use the “Contact Us” button at the bottom of this page.
References
Brain fog. (2024, August 13). Brain fog. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/brain-fog
Morgan [@spaceofmindhypnotherapy]. (2024, October 30). Brain fog is a cognitive phenomenon that can cause confusion, lack of focus, and mental fatigue, making it challenging to [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DBwRD8XMMDm/
