ALL ABOUT BRAIN FOG
-what is brain fog?
-who gets brain fog?
-what does brain fog do?
-what is brain fog like?
-how can i be more accessible to people with brain fog?
-tips for dealing with brain fog
-who made this carrd?
-informational video about brain fog
-sources
click any title to learn about brain fog
WHAT IS BRAIN FOG?
clouding of consciousness, also known as brain fog or mental fog, is a term used in medicine denoting an abnormality in the regulation of the overall level of consciousness.
WHO GETS BRAIN FOG?
brain fog is a result of different conditions, such as depression, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), medication, and many other unlisted conditions.
WHAT DOES BRAIN FOG DO?
brain fog effects things like
- memory, including the ability to store and recall information
- use and understanding of language
- ability to process and understand information
- visual and spatial skills for drawing, recognizing shapes, and navigating spaces
- ability to calculate and work things out
- executive functioning abilities (organizing, problem solving, planning)
- auditory processing skills
WHAT IS BRAIN FOG LIKE?
experiencing brain fog is like your brain is a file cabinet. you know that the information you need is in the file cabinet. the file cabinet, however, is locked. the information exists, but you cannot access it because you cannot unlock the file cabinet."people who experience brain fog often describe it as a sense of confusion or disorganization, disorientation or feeling scattered. A diminished ability to react and difficulty thinking, expressing your thoughts or thinking through complex situations or calculations can all be considered brain fog." -health us newsi find when it is particularly severe, i feel almost drunk. i can't read well or remember information. i forget the names of things and sometimes feel like my brain is surrounded by fog (hence the name brain fog).
how can i be more accessible to people with brain fog?
be understanding of others. brain fog makes it difficult for you to process information. sometimes brain fog makes it so you need subtitles. sometimes it means you can only answer yes or no questions. the severity of brain fog varies depending on your condition and other factors like sleep. be ready to rephrase what you're saying so it is easy for the individual to understand you. make sure to ask what the person experiencing brain fog needs and if you can help them at all. if they cannot complete tasks that are normally easy to them, don't get mad or upset at them. brain fog is something you cannot control and it messes with your cognitive functions and ability to perform certain tasks.
tips for dealing with brain fog
give yourself time and understand that it's not your fault. try and gauge what you can and can't do at the moment. make a list of things you need to do and try and accomplish simple tasks. it's okay to take breaks or naps because you cannot do anything at the moment. i usually watch a movie or show (with subtitles on) and wait for it to pass. you are not dumb for having brain fog. try and track what triggers your brain fog (if anything does) and eliminate it from your routine. for example, if coffee triggers your brain fog, eliminate it from your diet. if you struggle with memory, writing things down is your best friend.
who made this carrd?
riad is 18 years old. he is mentally ill, neurodivergent, and physically disabled. he has struggled with brain fog his entire life, but it got worse when he was 11 because of health issues. he struggles with it regularly. you can find him on twitter at @ursusriot. his dms are open for any questions or advice you have concerning brain fog or accessibility in general.