Brain fog. Two words that seem so small, yet they carry a weight that’s impossible to ignore. If you’ve never experienced it, it’s hard to explain. It’s not just forgetfulness—it’s the feeling of your mind slipping through your fingers, like trying to hold onto water. And as someone living with lupus, I know this struggle all too well.
The Frustration of Feeling Lost in Your Own Mind
There are days when I wake up ready to tackle my to-do list, only to realize my brain has other plans. Simple tasks suddenly feel like puzzles with missing pieces. I’ll walk into a room and forget why I’m there. I’ll start a sentence and lose my train of thought mid-way through. Conversations become exhausting because my words don’t always come out the way I want them to. It’s frustrating. It’s disheartening. And some days, it’s enough to make me want to give up before I even start.
The Emotional Weight of Brain Fog
Losing focus isn’t just an inconvenience—it messes with your sense of self. When you can’t remember things the way you used to or struggle to communicate clearly, it chips away at your confidence. You start questioning yourself. Am I being lazy? Am I just not trying hard enough? But the truth is, brain fog isn’t a sign of weakness or a lack of effort. It’s a symptom. A real, debilitating symptom of chronic illness.
And then there’s the guilt. The guilt of needing extra time, of missing deadlines, of spacing out during conversations. The guilt of feeling like a burden when you have to ask for reminders or repeat yourself because even you don’t remember what you just said.
Finding Ways to Cope
Over time, I’ve found a few things that help, though I won’t pretend there’s a perfect fix. Some days are better than others. Here’s what I try to do when brain fog hits hard:
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Write things down. Whether it’s a physical notebook or my phone’s notes app, I jot down thoughts, reminders, and even random ideas before they vanish.
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Give myself grace. Instead of beating myself up, I remind myself that this isn’t something I can just push through. It’s okay to slow down.
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Use natural support. Herbal remedies, hydration, and nutrition can help. I try to include things like ginkgo biloba, omega-3s, and anti-inflammatory foods in my diet.
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Rest when I need to. Fighting through the fog doesn’t always work. Sometimes, the best thing I can do is step back, breathe, and give my brain the break it desperately needs.
You’re Not Alone
If you deal with brain fog, whether from lupus or another condition, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to ask for help. And most importantly, it’s okay to give yourself grace on the days when your mind isn’t cooperating.
Do you struggle with brain fog? What helps you get through the tough days? Let’s support each other—drop a comment below!
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