We’ve all had days where we just feel “out of it” or like we can’t get our brain to work in the way we need it to. While it’s expected for your teen to have the same feeling sometimes, it’s important to note when their brain fog is a sign of something else, such as major depressive disorder.

Brain fog refers to a person feeling like they’re lacking awareness because their mind isn’t awake or alert. It can lead to concentration issues, decision-making difficulties and safety concerns for your teen. A potential reason that a teen may be experiencing recurring brain fog is from a depression diagnosis. 

We’ll talk about how brain fog in your teen may be connected to depression, as well as ways to help reduce it.

Why depression can lead to brain fog in teens

There are a few reasons that a teen may experience brain fog that aren’t concerning if they don’t happen often. A teen may experience brain fog due to a lack of sleep, hormonal changes or spending extended periods looking at a computer screen. However, recurring or persistent brain fog may be caused by major depressive disorder.

Brain fog is a feeling that tends to be described as a combination of different symptoms, including:

• Forgetfulness or memory issues
• Confusion
• Slow processing time
• Being easily distracted
• Difficulty effectively communicating with others

Brain fog can be linked to depression because the mental health condition can affect a teen’s cognitive functions, such as memory, language processing and attention. When a teen isn’t able to effectively carry out these cognitive functions, it can cause brain fog symptoms.

Over time, especially in longer-term or more severe cases of depression, changes in brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex may contribute to symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and memory problems.

There are also symptoms of depression that can lead to brain fog, including:

• Stress — A potential trigger for depressive symptoms is overwhelming stress, and depression can lead to chronic stress as a symptom. The increased level of the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with concentration and memory, leading to brain fog.
• Sleep difficulties — Depression can make it difficult for a teen to fall asleep or can lead to insomnia. Without a good night’s sleep, they can have trouble with energy and focus the following day, causing brain fog symptoms.
• Feelings of hopelessness — One of the most common symptoms of depression is a feeling of hopelessness about the future. It can lead to negative thought patterns that make it difficult to think clearly about anything else, causing brain fog.

How to decrease a teen’s brain fog that’s connected to depression

If your teen is experiencing recurring or worsening brain fog, talk to their doctor about a potential depression diagnosis. They may refer your teen to a psychiatrist or psychotherapist for further treatment.

Beyond seeking treatment for depression, the following tips may help your teen alleviate their brain fog:

• Take breaks — Whether your teen has been overwhelmed by stress or they’re spending too much time in front of the computer, taking breaks throughout the day can help them refocus and reduce brain fog.
• Drink more water — Staying hydrated can help their brain get the oxygen and blood flow it needs to complete cognitive functions while also getting rid of toxins. Be sure that your teen has a water bottle close by for easy access.
• Practice mindfulness — By grounding themselves in the moment, your teen can increase awareness of their thoughts, emotions and body. By learning how to practice mindfulness, such as breathing exercises, they can fight brain fog while reducing stress.

Lightfully Teen can help your teen manage depression symptoms that lead to brain fog

Brain fog can interfere with your teen’s ability to retain information during class, engage in conversation and stay energized throughout the day. If it’s an issue that they’re experiencing often, it may be connected to depression. With the right treatment, such as therapy, they can learn how to manage their major depressive disorder, including reduced brain fog.

If your teen requires more intensive care for their depression beyond therapy, Lightfully Teen levels of care are here to help. We can help teens gain a deeper understanding of their depression and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms.

Our three Lightfully Teen levels of care are:

• Residential Treatment 
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Intensive Outpatient Program

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step to help your teen, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of them.