Are you experiencing low energy, fatigue or irritability? Having trouble concentrating? Experiencing headaches, forgetfulness or trouble remembering information? How about low motivation, feelings of hopelessness or mild depression? Do you feel anxiety, confusion, trouble sleeping through the night or insomnia? Difficulty getting motivated to exercise?

In one study, the top-ranked descriptors of brain fog were forgetfulness, cloudiness and difficulty focusing, thinking and communicating, while the most commonly reported brain fog triggers were fatigue, lack of sleep, prolonged periods of standing, dehydration and feeling faint.

Brain fog is a very subtle issue that can happen to anyone, in any walk of life.2 People who are exposed to constant and increasing stress may not even know they are caught in this trap until a crisis arises. This situation causes or forces them to take an honest look at themselves, to see their own symptoms.

Law enforcement requires alertness, presence of mind, the ability to critically assess situations and the ability to quickly sort out facts and issues in the most trying of circumstances. It is crucial for your safety and well-being, as well as for loved ones and citizens you’re sworn to serve, to be free from brain fog. You need to stay in the best condition you can.

Although thousands of years old, Scripture provides warning, advice and instruction on how to be the best version of ourselves. It can give us direction on how to battle the subtle and quiet enemy of brain fog. For example, the Apostle Peter wrote that we should, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Peter urges us to confront this roaring and prowling lion!

And keep in mind that we are not alone. I recommend all of the always wonderful Psalm 23. It says, in part, “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for You are at my side…” (23:4, NAB).

Like burnout, brain fog can affect each of us in different ways, situations, frequency and power. We are not in any way any less of a person for it. It’s a part of what makes us human! But the sooner we identify and address it, the better — the healthier, more effective and satisfied we can then be. If this caught your interest and you want to speak with a unit chaplain today, it’s free and confidential. Have a blessed day!

How can I contact a chaplain? Chaplains are available at their unit of assignment, or by calling the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) at (213) 738-3500

[FOOTNOTES]
1. (Excerpts from “Brain Fog causes + 7 natural treatments” by Jillian Levy, CHHC, August 12, 2018, draxe.com/brain-fog)
2. Sources on brain fog and Scripture: draxe.com/brain-fog; www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-brain-fog; and www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A6-11&version=NASB