Navigating ‘brain fog’ as a gateway to purpose and connection
By Shannon Steele EBS COLUMNIST
Through life’s highs and lows, the term “brain fog” has become part of our shared language, describing a mix of thinking and emotional difficulties. While I previously associated it with clear external causes and scientific explanations, I have come to realize, both through personal experience and as a witness to others’, that it is a widespread mental state triggered by various stressors. In our complex lives, influenced by work, financial pressures, environmental concerns, grief, mental health issues, relationships, social and political matters, and more, stress is rarely singular. As Audre Lorde noted, “there is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives”—our struggles are interconnected. Our bodies can handle stress in moderation, but when it becomes chronic and multifaceted, affecting various systems from respiratory to reproductive, it takes a toll.
What does brain fog look and feel like?
I first heard this term from a friend going through chemotherapy, who called it “chemo brain.” The symptoms she talked about were a mix of forgetfulness, dulled thinking, and sensory inputs feeling muted. It felt like trying to live through a thick fog. I saw a similar struggle when my stepmom faced cognitive challenges during her own chemotherapy. Having a frame of reference, I could comprehend her emotional disconnection, and despite various interventions, her perceived quality of life remained unaffected.The words that best described what I saw were “flat” and “apathetic.”
The second time I encountered brain fog was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became known as “COVID brain” or “long COVID.” Its symptoms were like the cognitive fog from chemotherapy—fuzzy thinking, low energy, and feeling disconnected from oneself. People would say things like, “I don’t feel like myself,” “My life seems off,” “I feel disconnected with reality,” “I feel like I am floating,” “I feel like I am on autopilot,” and “It’s like I am sleepwalking.”
As mentioned, I thought brain fog was, like concussions, linked to clear causes like medicines, viruses and injuries. But personal challenges mixed with global and systemic problems made me see it differently. Brain fog became a symptom connected to the stress and mental health challenges of our society.
Community perspective: a story of finding clarity amidst the fog
Markus Heinrich, part-time Big Sky community member, felt like he was navigating the world in a haze throughout 2022 and 2023, with dulled sensory inputs impacting his emotional dynamics—lows felt lower, and his ability to express joy and positivity was significantly restricted. Heinrich’s brain fog was linked to life’s challenges—job insecurity, money worries, anxiety, depression and feeling purposeless.
Heinrich was on a mission to move from Big Sky to live and travel with his girlfriend, but the lead-up time included communication breakdowns, anxiety and ultimately led to him shutting down.
“I couldn’t find a job, and knew I wasn’t going to be able to survive [this lifestyle change]. I applied for 100 jobs, and didn’t get one call-back. I have always been cautious about money,” he said. “This was the final nail, and it slowly got worse from there. I stopped going to therapy because I was worried about the money part.”
Heinrich described how he didn’t feel capable of self reflection, was unable to articulate his feelings, and could not remember past memories. “I don’t even remember what I was doing in Big Sky,” he said.
Heinrich explained his experience of emerging from brain fog vividly. His compounding life stressors sparked dark, spiraling, self-deprecating thoughts, leading to a dramatic moment of realization while driving solo on a highway in Zion National Park in September 2023.
“I closed my eyes on the highway. I was basically driving on top of rocks and took my hands off the steering wheel. I wanted to off myself, ” Heinrich said. Within that brief moment he thought, “I am going to die and I haven’t done anything in this world. I’ll be gone and no one will care. I should at least do something with my life and leave a better life for my family before I go. At that point, I saw my purpose.”
Realizing his need for purpose made him open his eyes to a new perspective. “I knew it wasn’t the right thing to do, and I needed to put something between me and that decision,” he said. The fog lifted, not just clearing his external vision, but also giving way to a deeper understanding of life.
“Everything was bright and beautiful; the prettiest I have ever seen,” Heinrich shared. “It was like I saw things in 3D for the first time. I could see the details and the depth of my life and surroundings. My whole outlook on life changed.”
Heinrich continued, “I had the realization that life is short and you have very few days on this earth. It is important to live every day to the fullest, never taking anything or anyone for granted.” Heinrich never thought about his age until then. In his moment of clarity he thought, “Oh s***, 34 is old. I have to do something with my life. I need to change the world.”
“Do you already know that your existence—who and how you are—is in and of itself a contribution to the people and place around you? Not after or because you do some particular thing, but simply the miracle of your life.”
– Adrienne Maree Brown
Heinrich sees the importance of preparing for tough times. “Daily reminders, a clear sense of purpose, and accountability partners are like lifelines,” he said. Asking deep questions and checking in on friends beyond the surface becomes a guide in navigating life’s complexities.
In a world often filled with disconnection, Heinrich encourages human connection, self-reflection, and open communication. He suggests living each day as if it were the last and being the hero of your own story.
As we deal with the lasting effects of a pandemic, personal struggles, and global
challenges, Heinrich’s journey becomes a guiding light. Brain fog might be intangible and confusing, but within its grip is a deep invitation—to face life’s challenges directly, find clarity in the confusion, and come out with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
Shannon Steele leads Be Well Big Sky, orchestrating collaboration with community members and local agencies including Big Sky Community Organization, Human Resources Development Council – Big Sky Community Food Bank, Wellness in Action, Bozeman Health – Big Sky Medical Center, Rimrock, Help Center, law enforcement, and more. To connect with local resources and explore Be Well and the Navigator Network—dedicated volunteers linking individuals with available resources and collaborating with agencies to cultivate a thriving ecosystem—visit bewellbigsky.com.
This opinion article is not intended to provide professional advice. It reflects personal opinions and experiences and should not be considered a substitute for seeking advice from qualified mental health professionals. Readers are encouraged to consult with licensed professionals for personalized guidance regarding their mental health concerns.
Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions should contact crisis services by dialing 911. To speak to a mental health professional 24/7/365, dial 988.
