Not exactly a medical condition, Brain Fog is a new term being tossed which usually refers to feeling confused, disorganized or losing focus at times. It also affects one's ability to think. We asked Dr. Praveen Kumar Chintapanti, consultant Psychiatrist, with Tranquil Minds, Hyderabad about this condition and he says, “It can happen to anyone, but we usually snap out of it. There can be several reasons for this happening like sleep deprivation, stress, multi inputs at the same time, relationship trouble, the current pandemic, etc. can all contribute to a person feeling this way”.
In such a situation of a lot happening up there, in your mind, Dr. Praveen explains, “It can lead to a state of perplexity and confusion. In this case, a person either freezes and does not react at all or reacts inappropriately. People tend to get aggravated, annoyed, or react in a way that is very unlike them”.
Apart from feeling this in a normal state, “People may sometimes feel brain fog or disorganized in the background of substances like cannabis, excess of drugs, alcohol or sometimes even mushrooms may be responsible. It can cause temporary confusion in people, while in some people it can lead to long-term brain damage and perplexia as well. A brain injury can also be another reason”, says Dr. Praveen.
We can categorize its causes, relating to the brain, in the following ways:
- Structural damage (due to an accident or stroke, etc.)
- Chemical damage (due to certain substances)
- Emotional sphere (due to an emotional state)
“Some are reversible and some may be irreversible”, he adds.
Dealing With It
Dr. Praveen explains some of the ways to deal with a Brain fog
- People should quit substances and try to get a detox.
- In case of structural damage, consult a neurologist.
- Have less on your plate. Do one thing at a time.
- If the task is big, break it into parts and complete it.
- It might be a good idea to sleep over things and clear them the next day in a better state of mind with clearer thoughts.
- Make an informed decision so you don’t regret later
- Don’t take decisions of a serious nature when you are sleep deprived, under the influence of certain substances, or even on an empty stomach.
- Talk to someone whose interests don’t conflict with yours.
- If it lasts for several weeks, it can be a sign of a psychological problem. Thus, consult an expert.
Therefore, Dr. Praveen says that it is a very subjective matter. If you see your friend going through it, be non-judgemental and listen to them out. Ask how you can help them instead of blaming them for their behaviour.
