Experts say COVID-19 pandemic has caused mental fatigue

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The COVID-19 pandemic has us all stressed, and many people have reported severe mental fatigue over this past year.

If you’re one of those people that have been so stressed out that its hard for you to focus sometimes, mental health experts say you might be experiencing something called “cognitive dulling.”

“Everyone’s feeling overwhelmed right now. Not only are we dealing with the actual virus, and the possibility of death and losing loved ones as well, but we’re also dealing with all sorts of transitions,” said Dr. Jennifer Bahrman with UT Health. “Like, we’re having these Zoom calls now. People are still working from home, people’s stress levels are just kind of through the roof at this point.”

What is cognitive dulling?

Cognitive dulling is a form of mental fatigue that leads to difficulty concentrating, decreased productivity, and a decline in emotional and mental health, according to Bahrman. She said it’s the result of our bodies being in “survival mode” for the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic and enduring heightened stress levels, changes in routine and environment, and fear of the future.

Bahrman said the best way to combat cognitive dulling is to start with focusing on your self-care.

“Self-care. “That’s going to be a huge one, and this day and age, it’s almost like a taboo topic to talk about self-care. It’s very individualized,” she said. “So, for some people that can be something as simple as meditating or taking a bath or doing something that they find relaxing, but for others, self-care is going to be things like planning ahead, making sure that we’re having as few decisions to have to make as possible.”

What can I do to combat cognitive dulling?

• Self-care, self-care, self-care: It’s something everyone needs to strive to do to give themselves a break. Options include practicing mindful meditation, meal-prepping to maintain a good diet, doing a hobby you enjoy, going on a vacation or staycation, taking a bath, playing with your kids or pets, going for a walk, or reading.

  Bahrman said just taking some time every day to not have to think can do wonders for your mental health. She noted the importance of encouraging self-care habits in children, too.

• Check in with yourself: Bahrman said it is critical to know your limits, and be kind to yourself when you reach them. “It’s okay to say no,” she said. “I talk about the importance of saying ‘no’ to my patients often. We don’t always need to agree to another meeting or opportunity – there will always be more meetings and opportunities. It is better to turn an opportunity down than to commit to it, but not be able to give it your all.”
• Manage stress in one area of your life: “Focusing on one area of your life, like work or a certain relationship, that you can control your stress in, can help you feel empowered,” Bahrman said. “It can give you a sense of normal in one area that you can build upon in other areas.”
• Take pressure off perfection: “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. With so much going on, just do your best and strive for good rather than perfect,” Bahrman said.
• Reduce the amount of decisions you have to make: For example, to make meal planning easier, prepare enough meals for the week over the weekend, Bahrman said. Other ideas include planning your outfits out in advance, simplifying your wardrobe so you don’t have so much to choose from, and helping your children pick their outfits in advance as well.
• Ask for help: Talking to a friend or loved one and seeking help from a professional can improve mental health significantly. “Everyone can benefit from therapy,” Bahrman said.