Brain Fog and Chronic Illness

Brain fog is probably one of the most frustrating things that I deal with on a daily basis. Brain fog and many chronic illness go hand in hand.

What is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is not being able to recall words. Even simple words. It feels like you brain can not pull up the word that is on the tip of your tongue. Brain fog is the feeling of confusion. It is holding your med container and not remembering if you took them already. Feeling zoned out like your not even on the same plane of existence as everyone else.

What Causes Brain Fog?

Brain fog is not a medical condition on its own but a group of symptoms. It has no specific cause but can be linked to conditions like inflammatory arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune conditions, migraines, and concussion. Lack of sleep which many of us chronic illness people suffer from can be a contributing factor. Brain fog can also be linked with some medications and treatments, cancer treatments, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs. It is best to talk to your doctor to figure out what might be triggering yours.

Stress and Brain Fog

For me stress exasperates my brain fog. The minute I feel anxious or overwhelmed my ability to concentrate, recall words and orientate myself diminishes quickly.

Dealing with having a chronic illness is innately stressful and then add the pressures of home, work, or society and your system becomes overwhelmed quickly. For me I feel like I am not even part of my own body. It is living behind a cloud.

What Can Help When Brain Fog Happens

1. Notes-post it notes, notes on your phone, notes on a whiteboard in the kitchen.
2. Using a Planner-to keep track of appointments, things that need to be done and special dates
3. Bringing Someone to Medical Appointments-I always try to have my husband or a friend come with me to medical appointments. I feel very emotional and anxious dealing with some of my doctors. Having a friend who can take notes or remember what you discussed.
4. Setting Up a Good Sleep Routine-the more sleep deprived I get, the more intense my brain fog is. I go to bed at the same time every night and put my technology down at least two hours before bed (or I wear my blue light glasses). Sleep is my biggest struggle.
5. Get Outside-spend some time in the outdoors-go for a walk, explore a trail. Movement and fresh air help to manage stress. I find meditation hard but getting outside and going for a walk in nature feels meditative for me.
6. De-Stress the Best Way You Know How-soak in the tub before bed, journal if that helps, spend time with your pets, read a book, craft or anything you feel is relaxing
7. Give Yourself Some Self Love-dealing with a chronic illness is hard and you are doing the best you can. You are not lazy. This is not in your head.