Brain Fog

We have all experienced it at one point or another, we have a day where we just can’t seem to get in sync with ourselves. Lost keys, searching for a word or losing your train of thought… While there isn’t a definitive diagnose, these symptoms generally point to a condition loosely referred to as “Brain Fog.” The symptoms for the condition include vague and general signs like fatigue, stomach aches, headaches, sleepiness, and forgetfulness. Many of these symptoms are included in other specific diagnosis, so if you feel like the “fog” has gone on too long or its intensity is vastly different, we encourage you to seek medical help.

In the absence of an underling condition, Brain Fog is generally attributed to just a few causes. The overriding symptom is sleepiness, caused by a lack of adequate sleep. The fix is often as easy as getting more sleep. Even a short nap can vastly improve your ability to focus.

Another common cause is medications for allergies or asthma, such as Benadryl which contains diphenhydramine. This class of drug, antihistamines, has several side effects that could induce brain fog, such as drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision.

The last set of causes are part of your emotional health. Your levels of anxiety, depression and stress can cause you to feel physically drained. Additionally, the energy, thoughts, and emotions you go through during these periods can be mentally draining as well, leaving you exhausted in both mind and body.

The way out of the fog can be as simple as getting enough sleep, being careful of the medications you take and taking care of your emotional well-being. While this may sound simple, sometimes we all need some help. If you realize that a fog has gone on too long, please seek medical help or call the National Mental Health Hotline | 866-903-3787.