Brain Fog: the Impact of Depression on your Thoughts and Cognitive Processing
When people hear the word “depression”, an image comes to mind: someone who’s mood is consistently low, unable to find joy in their life, and wants to stay at home and sleep a lot. Hence, people seem to understand the emotional aspects of depression, as well as the common behaviours a depressed person would likely take - but rarely do we hear about the cognitive aspects of depression. What happens to your thoughts?
Depression, a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition, can cast a long shadow over every aspect of a person's life. It not only affects our mood and emotions but also impacts our cognitive processing. When battling depression, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming, as our cognitive abilities become entangled in a web of negative thoughts and emotional turmoil. Let’s dive into the intricate relationship between depression and cognitive processing, shedding light on the challenges faced and offering strategies to navigate the maze.
Brain Fog
Depression can envelop the mind in a dense fog, making it difficult to think clearly and concentrate on tasks. This brain fog can manifest as forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions, and reduced problem-solving abilities. Everyday activities that were once effortless may suddenly seem daunting, leading to a sense of frustration and further exacerbating depressive symptoms. In other words, our brains are so hazy that we see daily tasks as “an elephant” versus what they are: just an everyday task.
Negative Cognitive Bias
Depression often distorts our perception of reality, leading to a negative cognitive bias. This bias skews our thoughts, causing us to focus on the negative aspects of situations, while dismissing positive or neutral elements. As a result, we may find ourselves engaging in self-critical thoughts, feeling hopeless, and expecting the worst outcomes. Over time, this negative cognitive bias reinforces the grip of depression, making it harder to break free.
Rumination and Overthinking:
Rumination, the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts, is a common cognitive pattern in depression. The mind gets trapped in a loop, endlessly replaying distressing events or emotions. Overthinking becomes a way of trying to solve problems or find answers, but instead, it traps us in a cycle of unproductive thoughts and self-doubt. Breaking free from this cycle requires conscious effort and strategies to redirect our cognitive processes towards healthier patterns.
Slower Processessing Speed and Memory Problems
Depression can make it challenging to concentrate and stay focused on tasks. The cognitive fog associated with depression can make it harder to absorb information, process complex thoughts, and retain new memories. This difficulty with concentration can interfere with work, school, and daily activities. Depression can also affect both short-term and long-term memory. People with depression may have difficulty recalling recent events, remembering important details, or even recalling positive experiences. This memory impairment can contribute to a sense of frustration and further impact cognitive functioning.
Considering the above issues with cognitive tasks, people with depression not only feel emotionally strained, they also tend to struggle at school or work because, simply put, their brains are not up to speed. This is why it is sometimes helpful to have a leave of absence while the person receives depression treatment, so that they don’t fall further behind in their studies or career.
What is the treatment for depression that tackles brain fog?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that can be particularly effective in addressing the interplay between depression and cognitive processing. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts, replacing them with more realistic and positive ones. By restructuring cognitive patterns, CBT empowers individuals to regain control over their thinking and develop healthier coping strategies.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can be invaluable tools in managing depression and improving cognitive processing. Mindfulness allows us to observe our thoughts without judgment, cultivating awareness and reducing rumination. Additionally, cultivating cognitive flexibility—being open to different perspectives and adaptive thinking—can help break free from rigid patterns of thought and foster resilience in the face of depression's challenges.
Taking care of our cognitive well-being is an essential part of managing depression. Engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep can positively impact cognitive function and emotional resilience. Furthermore, engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies, socializing, and creative outlets, can help counteract the negative cognitive impact of depression.
Depression's impact on cognitive processing is an often overlooked aspect of the condition, but it plays a crucial role in the daily struggles faced by individuals. By understanding the cognitive challenges that depression presents, we can develop strategies to mitigate its effects and improve our overall well-being. Whether through therapy, mindfulness practices, or self-care, taking proactive steps to address cognitive processing can empower individuals to navigate the maze of depression and regain control over their lives. Remember, there is always hope, and with the right support and strategies, we can find our way out of the shadows.
The therapists at Brookhaven Psychotherapy look at depression from all three angles: emotions, behaviours and cognitions. We can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Find out more about depression therapy here.
