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Brain Fog in Fibromyalgia and CFS: Prevention Tips
by Robin August, Ph.D.
Have you found yourself forgetting words, names, faces, or events? Have you forgotten where you put your keys a hundred times? Have you found it impossible to concentrate, read or focus? Brain fog or fibro fog effects learning, concentration, short and long-term memory, and the use of language. These symptoms sound like Brain or Fibro Fog. Please, don't label yourself dumb, lazy, or crazy.
Preventing brain fog or fibro fog:
- Always Keep your keys and purse on the same hook or in the same place.
- Make lists, prioritize, and complete them if you can while you are feeling better.
- Try to take on and finish important things during your best times without overdoing it by scheduling too much.
- Reduce stress which contributes to brain fog and fibro fog. Do yoga, meditate, take a short nap, take a walk in the woods, spend some quiet time alone reading or just relaxing.
- Have you recently started a New Medication? It is a possible contributor to feeling as if you were experinceing brain or fibro fog. Some medications that can possibly contribute to Brain Fog/Fibro Fog include the following: Ambien, Flexeril, Desyrel, Oxycontin/Oxycodone, and Soma.
- Hunger. It can lead to a sense of being weak and out of it so check in with your body to see if you are just hungry.
- Organize your house but don't do it when you are already in a Brain/Fibro fog place.
If you have a significant sleep problem, get treatment for it. Whether it is using Sleep Hygiene (a topic coming up soon) or medication, do something to help your sleep. You really need a good quality and quantity of sleep.
About the author:
Robin August, Ph.D., LCSW. obtained her Master’s in Social Work and her Ph.D. in Psychology from major Universities. She has also studied Life Coaching. She has been in private practice since 1987. She specializes in working with survivors of child abuse, coping with chronic illness, depressive and anxiety disorders, life coaching and general psychotherapy. She lives in the beautiful Smoky Mountains where she enjoys the outdoors. Dr. August also lives with Fibromyalgia and Systemic Lupus so she brings a unique personal understanding to her work.
