Brain Fog in Withdrawal

So you might be wondering if you’re in withdrawal from your psych meds. Maybe it’s been a really fast taper or even cold turkey. Or maybe you're tapering slowly, but the symptoms still feel like a lot.

Today I want to talk about brain fog, because it’s such a discouraging and uncomfortable symptom. And I want you to know that even if you’re feeling it, there’s still hope.

Personal Experience with Rapid Taper

I went through a rapid taper, probably the kind your doctor might recommend, like six weeks. I felt okay at first, but then everything got horrible.

I had extreme symptoms. I couldn’t even wrap my head around how bad they were. I felt so debilitated.

But I am healing. I’m functioning, living life, happy. And I’m here to be a voice of encouragement to say: you’re not stuck, you’re not doomed, and your brain is healing.

I know how much it helps to hear from someone who has lived through it. That’s why I’m making these videos, so you don’t feel alone.

For context: I’m 36 years old. I was on meds for 10 years, starting with postpartum depression. I thought I’d need them for life, but when I came off them, it was too fast. And that left me in a very rough place. But I’m healing.

Understanding Brain Fog

Brain fog was one of the most frustrating symptoms. I used to be someone who could think clearly and get things done.

Then suddenly, I couldn’t think in a linear way. I felt like I had ADHD or something. My brain would loop or get stuck or just spin around. Tasks felt confusing or impossible.

My memory didn’t work the same. I was bouncing between things. Everything felt fuzzy. Just staying focused or completing something, like a simple to-do list, was difficult.

But I read something that helped: withdrawal is like a brain injury. Your brain is rebooting. It’s like turning on lights in a dark house one room at a time.

Rehabilitation Strategies for Brain Fog

So I started thinking of tasks as rehab for my brain.

Let’s say cleaning the kitchen. There are a bunch of steps: sweep the floor, empty the dishwasher, reload the dishwasher, scrub dishes, clear the counter. It’s overwhelming in withdrawal. But each step can be like therapy for your brain.

It’s harder than before but that’s okay. Doing it slowly, imperfectly, or incompletely still counts. It’s still healing.

I started to realize, every little thing I did was part of my recovery. And over time, it got easier. Now I do these tasks without even thinking about them.

Maybe you’ll need sticky notes or reminders or apps. I did. Maybe you’ll have a season of doing less. I had to stop working for a while. I was mostly housebound.

Encouragement and Small Wins

If your brain is in rehab, you also need rest, water, breaks, and recovery time.

Be gentle with yourself. Celebrate the wins. If you got the dishes done or answered your emails even if it took twice as long—that’s a win. That’s healing.

Let someone cheer you on. Or be your own cheerleader.

Celebrate the small wins. They add up. They become your pathway to healing.

These days, I still need sticky notes. But I’m getting a lot done. And I feel good about it.

You're healing. You don't have to give up. This fog won't last.