Did you ever try to drive in a fog so thick you could barely see anything in front of you? Did you notice that the only things you could see clearly were those things closest to you?
Did you notice that even the sunlight appeared fuzzy and distorted?
This morning, as I was leaving the house, I encountered such a fog. In fact, I took some pictures from my yard to illustrate how things in the distance are just not visible.
As I was marveling at the beauty of the fog, I became aware of an inner frustration that was wanting to creep in: a frustration at not being able to see what was beyond the inner circle of trees. And that reminded me of another fog I had experienced a few years ago.


I was living in a destructive marriage, and had been for over 16 years. All of the abuse and the ensuing intense emotional responses, or trauma, was creating a very real brain fog that was growing thicker by the day.
Like the fog this morning, everything was obscured from view except for the most immediate things, the most urgent, survival kind of things.
And like the fog this morning, distorting and blurring the sun’s rays, my brain fog was distorting and blurring the truth that was trying to break through the fog.
I barely recognized that I was in the fog. It had become so normal. I didn’t have the ability to see beyond the next five minutes, and there certainly wasn’t enough visibility to see the next five years.
Because I could only see the most urgent, essential things, other things that were still important but not matters of survival were lost in the fog. I was unable to think clearly when my children were in conflict and needed my direction. I became quickly overwhelmed when facing conflict myself. I was unable to recall simple things such as where I was going, even when I was driving to familiar places. I would forget to pay bills, or to get an item on the grocery list. I’d forget doctor appointments, and even events I was eager to attend.
In fact, forgetting became such a normal part of my life, that when my husband would ask me about something, and I’d get a blank look on my face, or a look of dismay, he’d mock me with “Let me guess: Oh honey, I forgot!” in a singsong voice.
Even my 2 year old paid attention to how to get places, so she could tell me where to turn in case I forgot.
Have you experienced any of this? The forgetfulness? The inability to think clearly? Do you feel powerless to plan for the future? Or to even see the bigger picture of tomorrow and beyond?
This morning’s fog was gone in a few hours, dissipated by the sun’s warming rays. Brain fog doesn’t dissipate quite so quickly or easily, but time and truth are still the keys to clearer vision after trauma.
In my experience, brain fog doesn’t go away while the trauma remains. Many times, you have to establish space away from the trauma before the fog can begin to evaporate. And during those weeks, months, or years, depending on the severity of the fog and the absence of continued trauma, the truth is essential. Allow it to flood your life in every form. Sit in silence with God, read His Word daily, surround yourself with believers who are not afraid to speak truth into your life, and pray for understanding and clarity. It will take time – lots of time – and unfortunately, we’re unable to decide for ourselves how long it will take.
Just as we don’t know how long it will take for a natural fog to completely dissipate, we can’t predict how long it will take for brain fog to drift away. We need to be patient with ourselves, and instead of focusing on the fog itself, focus on the beauty of the things around us. As we gain more clarity, and longer-distance viewing, we need to continually expand our focus to include these other essential things that are now coming into view. With patience, rest, and healing, there is hope of complete renewal after brain fog.
It may be difficult to imagine, but just as there is a certain beauty to the sunshine streaming through the curtain of fog on a misty morning, there is also a certain beauty that emerges from having experienced brain fog. This experience, and the helplessness it brings, creates a unique alertness to its devastating effects in others. Where others may see only incompetence or neglectful forgetfulness, you recognize the struggle, the desperate groping for hope, for clarity. You instinctively understand their need for love, compassion, validation, and prayer. The beauty in this newfound clarity is truth’s ability to cut through the cloudy curtain, illuminating the densest confusion, allowing you to share the healing you’ve experienced.
While you may be struggling today to cling to reality, and make sense of all the confusion right now, you may also be wondering if it ever gets better, or if you will ever be anything but a shadow of your former self. Take courage, my dear girl! There is hope. With time, the fog eventually disappears, and with the help of truth, the confusion sorts itself out. God is not defeated by the fog that now envelopes you – in fact, He is actively preparing you to comfort others as He has comforted you.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Ps. 30:5 We could just as easily say, “Fog persists for a few hours, but in the sun’s warming rays, it flees away, bringing full clarity where once, there was only confusion.”
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
If you are recognizing brain fog in your own life, or in the life of a loved one, the first step is to remove yourself from the source of confusion, as far as you are able. It is important not to make any major, life-altering choices while experiencing brain fog, but giving yourself space for a period of time (probably at least 2 months) can bring a lot of clarity, and you can be asking God for further insight and direction as to proper assessment of your situation, and what steps you need to take next.
During this phase, don’t forget to bask in truth. Everywhere you look, everything you hear, and everywhere you go – you should be surrounded by truth.
Be patient with yourself as you heal. Healing doesn’t come on our timeline, but instead of becoming frustrated with the process, choose to use the time to learn to know God in new ways. He is a good Father, and delights in loving you well.
And last, don’t give up hope. Just as the fog is gently dispersed by the sun, you will find that your brain fog gradually recedes as well, so gently you don’t even notice at first. But clarity is God’s goal for you, because He is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33), and He will lead you into that peace. (Ps. 23 and John 14:27)
