Brain Fog, Depression, And Lethargy: The Effects Of Depressive Disorders

Depression is considered by many to be a common mental health condition, affecting approximately 7% of the adult population in the United States. 

Despite its prevalence, there are still many aspects of depression that are little understood, including how it can change brain function and how it might impact physical and emotional health. Understanding these elements can promote greater empathy at every level of society and can validate the experiences of those who live with it. 

Today, there are many treatments available to help individuals alleviate the symptoms of depression and the effects those symptoms generate, including brain fog, lethargy and difficulty functioning in day-to-day life. Read on to learn more about possible effects and supportive strategies that can help.

Possible physical effects of depression

The physical effects of depression can be difficult to universally determine, as they can occur in seemingly contradictory dichotomies. Physical symptoms that can be associated with the condition can typically include:

• Weight changes. Depression can lead to weight changes, including weight loss and weight gain. This may be due in part to the physical effects the chemical changes that can occur as a result of depression, as well as any eating habit changes that may have happened due to depression or other external stimuli.

• Appetite changes. In a similar vein, depression can lead to appetite changes, such as increases or decreases. Similar to weight changes, appetite changes can depend on an individual’s coping habits and biological predisposition.
  

• GI distress. Gastrointestinal distress can be another physical symptom of depression that can manifest as bloating, gas, frequent and loose stool or chronic constipation. 

• Loss of energy. Lethargy can be another common physical symptom of depression that can make the thought of getting out of bed feel overwhelming. This alone can lead to feelings of malaise, which can undermine the quality of life for those who experience the condition.

If you believe that you are experiencing the physical effects of depression, you may benefit from creating a personalized treatment plan with your healthcare provider that addresses your needs. 

Cognitive effects of depression

The cognitive effects of depression may be among the least discussed, as they can go unnoticed by individuals who might already be experiencing depressive symptoms. There are numerous cognitive effects of depression, not the least of which can include:

• Brain fog. Brain fog can be defined as a sensation in which it feels difficult to think, concentrate, listen or function in a general sense. It may feel as if there is a sheen or “fog” cast over an individual’s thoughts. Other symptoms that can be associated with brain fog include a “fuzzy” or confused sensation, an inability to concentrate, and a general perceived decrease in one’s reasoning abilities.

• Impaired executive function skills. Executive function is generally defined as the area of one’s function that can be responsible for making informed decisions and executing them. Difficulties in this area can compromise one’s quality of life as a whole. 

• Impaired memory. Individuals living with depression might find it difficult to remember events, thoughts and conversations accurately, and may find it difficult to understand concepts and make decisions as a result. 

• Declined ability to process information. With declines in executive function, memory and attention, people living with depression might find themselves having difficulty processing information, and may frequently need to have others repeat themselves, re-explain a single concept or may find that they need additional help at work and in school.

 Understanding that cognitive function can be impaired by depression can be freeing for individuals living with the disorder and informative to their friends and peers. It can also be helpful to those seeking workplace accommodations, as both the individual and those living or working with the individual can gain a greater understanding of how to help the person in their specific scope of need. 

Working with a therapist or other mental health professional can be a strong first step in identifying and addressing symptoms of depression in this context. 

Emotional effects of depression

Depression can have a significant impact on an individual’s emotional state. Depression is not generally characterized entirely by sadness or despair but can be marked by a host of different emotions. Some of the emotional states indicative of depression include:

• Anger. This feeling may frequently accompany depression, possibly with varying levels of severity. Anger may come out in the form of angry outbursts after a period of having one’s patience tested, or it may be a continued, unbroken state of irritability that can persist no matter how relaxed or unobtrusive the environment is.

• Apathy. Apathy can be a feeling that is paradoxically identified by an absence of feeling. If apathy is present, there may not be any other feelings of intense anger, joy, sadness, guilt, hope or anything in between; instead, a feeling of listlessness and disinterest might be perceived more strongly than other feelings; or possibly more often.

• Fear. Fear can be present alongside depression and can lead to concurrent anxiety disorder formation. The topics that fear can cover may range from person to person and can consist of fears around of never getting better, fear of being a burden to others and fear of something worse on the horizon.

The effects of depression can go far deeper than a single line of symptoms and can have a hand in virtually every system that makes up a human being.

What conditions can be co-morbid with depression?

Some illnesses and disorders can be uncommonly co-morbid with depression—and in many cases, it may not be immediately clear which came first—or if one caused the other.

Depression, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders can all co-occur depending on a person’s unique health outlook and environmental exposures, in some cases. 

If you have any sort of medical condition, whether it is chronic or acute, you may be at risk of developing depression or might find that you have already been exhibiting symptoms of it. As mentioned above, depression can have a suppressive effect on the immune system, so an argument may be made for the prospect of depression preceding other illnesses. 

How can online counseling support those living with depression?

Depression can be complex, and manifestations can be intensely individualized. Seeking help for depression could mean discussing symptoms such as brain fog with a primary care physician, seeking out counseling through a local counseling center, or reaching out for help online through online therapy portals such as BetterHelp. 

Online counseling can be a helpful resource to consider if your symptoms make it difficult to get out of bed or leave your home each day. Platforms like BetterHelp can allow you to still receive mental health care even from the comfort of your home in a more convenient way for most.

The efficacy of online counseling: Is it worth it?

Those living with depression may turn to online counseling for support and treatment. One study found that online therapy platforms like BetterHelp effectively reduced participants’ depression symptom severity, based on self-reports of the treatment group. 

Researchers noted that this appeared to be especially true for those who had never received therapeutic support in the past, and the results remained consistent across gender identification or sexual orientation, financial status and physical health status.