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Clearing the Fog: From Surviving to Thriving with Long Covid―A Practical Guide
“An essential guide” (Mark Hyman, author of Young Forever ) to navigating life with the cognitive and mental health impairments that often accompany Long Covid.
Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, the shocking mortality figures obscured the fact that death is not the only adverse outcome of the virus. Today, as many as 30 percent of Covid-19 survivors still experience symptoms long after their acute illness has passed, with cognitive and mental health problems especially prominent. For long haulers, this struggle with Long Covid has irrevocably changed their lives. Many have lost their ability to work, attend school, and look after their children. They often feel misunderstood and dismissed by others. Their once-full lives are now filled only with doctors' appointments that seem more and more futile.
In Clearing the Fog , neuropsychologist Dr. James C. Jackson offers people suffering from Long Covid and their families a roadmap to help them manage their “new normal.” Focusing on cognitive impairment and mental health issues, he shows
In addition, Dr. Jackson shares his own experience with chronic illness, relating to long haulers with vulnerability and compassion.
Through moving stories as well as hands-on guidance, Clearing the Fog will help long haulers understand their current situation while offering multiple ways to address it, make sense of it, and move through it with the goal of thriving instead of merely surviving.
Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, the shocking mortality figures obscured the fact that death is not the only adverse outcome of the virus. Today, as many as 30 percent of Covid-19 survivors still experience symptoms long after their acute illness has passed, with cognitive and mental health problems especially prominent. For long haulers, this struggle with Long Covid has irrevocably changed their lives. Many have lost their ability to work, attend school, and look after their children. They often feel misunderstood and dismissed by others. Their once-full lives are now filled only with doctors' appointments that seem more and more futile.
In Clearing the Fog , neuropsychologist Dr. James C. Jackson offers people suffering from Long Covid and their families a roadmap to help them manage their “new normal.” Focusing on cognitive impairment and mental health issues, he shows
In addition, Dr. Jackson shares his own experience with chronic illness, relating to long haulers with vulnerability and compassion.
Through moving stories as well as hands-on guidance, Clearing the Fog will help long haulers understand their current situation while offering multiple ways to address it, make sense of it, and move through it with the goal of thriving instead of merely surviving.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 9, 2023
58 people are currently reading
1424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 29, 2024
(Covid conscious resources below!)
I've not been quite right physically since having my first round of Covid at the beginning of 2023.
As an early book on surviving with long Covid, I was curious to read this. I will say that the title alludes to the majority of the content of the book which centers around psychological well-being attributed to long Covid. Dr. Jackson offers tips on navigating family relationships, healthcare, therapy, the workplace, and just living with one's self. He takes a very compassionate, empathetic tone throughout and I felt catharsis reading about the self-blame for contracting Covid in the first place and entering a life-changing situation. This book sets the stage for what are sure to be numerous works on long Covid.
The main thing I was really disappointed in was kind of a subtle ablest thread. For example, the author suggests that people with long Covid can make weak social connections by "smiling" at people in the grocery store (which means you're unmasked, right?). He also recounts a recent lunch at a restaurant that he was at. These kinds of things are privileges that people who haven't yet contracted Covid enough times to become affected by long Covid express.
The author never talks about how long Covid risk increases every time someone contracts Covid. There's very little talk in the social section of how people with long Covid can engage with communities who are cautious. There's hardly any talk of how isolating it can be to feel like the only one wanting to stay safe.
So, if you're reading this review and you have long Covid (or not) and you want to be Covid conscious still, here are some resources that the author did not mention (and please, wear a high-quality mask!):
Reddit
r/covidlonghaulers
r/Masks4All
r/ZeroCovidCommunity
Twitter
@covidisntover (There is a whole community calendar of virtual events every single day, including support groups for people with long Covid! Also found here if you hate Twitter: https://linktr.ee/covidisntover)
@masknerd
General
covidmeetups.com (I have met local Covid conscious people here!)
covidconscioustherapists.com
covidsafeproviders.com (Research dentists, doctors, mechanics in your area)
cleanaircrew.org (air filtration, HEPA filters, masking, safety)
I've not been quite right physically since having my first round of Covid at the beginning of 2023.
As an early book on surviving with long Covid, I was curious to read this. I will say that the title alludes to the majority of the content of the book which centers around psychological well-being attributed to long Covid. Dr. Jackson offers tips on navigating family relationships, healthcare, therapy, the workplace, and just living with one's self. He takes a very compassionate, empathetic tone throughout and I felt catharsis reading about the self-blame for contracting Covid in the first place and entering a life-changing situation. This book sets the stage for what are sure to be numerous works on long Covid.
The main thing I was really disappointed in was kind of a subtle ablest thread. For example, the author suggests that people with long Covid can make weak social connections by "smiling" at people in the grocery store (which means you're unmasked, right?). He also recounts a recent lunch at a restaurant that he was at. These kinds of things are privileges that people who haven't yet contracted Covid enough times to become affected by long Covid express.
The author never talks about how long Covid risk increases every time someone contracts Covid. There's very little talk in the social section of how people with long Covid can engage with communities who are cautious. There's hardly any talk of how isolating it can be to feel like the only one wanting to stay safe.
So, if you're reading this review and you have long Covid (or not) and you want to be Covid conscious still, here are some resources that the author did not mention (and please, wear a high-quality mask!):
r/covidlonghaulers
r/Masks4All
r/ZeroCovidCommunity
@covidisntover (There is a whole community calendar of virtual events every single day, including support groups for people with long Covid! Also found here if you hate Twitter: https://linktr.ee/covidisntover)
@masknerd
General
covidmeetups.com (I have met local Covid conscious people here!)
covidconscioustherapists.com
covidsafeproviders.com (Research dentists, doctors, mechanics in your area)
cleanaircrew.org (air filtration, HEPA filters, masking, safety)
June 3, 2023
I was dubious about this book because there’s still so much we don’t know about long covid. Also, I know a lot of my chronically ill clients have a hard time with advice like “go for a walk!” When the person giving that advice often can’t understand how impossible those simple things can be. I thought Jackson did a great job in this book of describing the difficulties of long covid, laying out the struggles and then presenting possibilities as just that - possibilities. Obviously this book will need to be updated as we learn more but it’s actually a great starting point.
October 17, 2023
As someone recovering from long covid for the last 7 months, I found this book extremely depressing and full of examples of negative outcomes. I had to consciously stop reading it.
February 1, 2024
This was good. It had a ton of useful information. Do not audiobook this like I did. You're going to want to skip around to the sections that you need. If you're dealing with long covid and feel crazy, this is a useful book not only to provide specific suggestions/resources but to feel a little less alone with it.
March 12, 2024
I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't what I got. I saw this recommended on an IG post from a woman with Long COVID, and most of her symptoms were physical. As I've struggled with ongoing shortness of breath and very real brain fog, I was interested to read this book. The first few pages made me think, "This is going to be interesting!" The chapters on brain fog/brain injury were also interesting. But chapters 4-10 were all focused on the psychological aspects of Long COVID (with one chapter about getting help at work or school), and then, that was it. The book was over. Just...not what I was expecting. Though I guess I should have been, since the author is a PsyD, not an MD. Anyway...I picked up a few things to consider in the beginning and the rest was...not for me. Thus, two stars. If you have true Long COVID, you might find this book to be just what you're looking for...which is what I'm hoping the person who picks it up at my local used bookstore finds.
July 26, 2023
Well, this book HAD to be written. It's only a matter of time before there's a whole "dealing with Long COVID shelf" at the Books-A-Million.
So yeah, I have Long COVID. It's gradually getting better but I'm 13 months out from getting sick and I am OVER not being over it yet. A librarian friend of mine recommended the book so I checked it out. Here's a series of observations re: this book:
-It deals primarily with the brain fog aspect of Long COVID. While I certainly have that –– I lose things constantly and just spent 10 minutes looking for my laptop just so I could write this review, I lose my train of thought mid-sentence or mid-project frequently, and I have a lot more trouble typing/talking/spelling than I did last year –– my main complaint is is fatigue, so I was hoping for tips and tricks for dealing with that, which I did not get, but the author is a neuropsychologist so I see why he didn't stray too far from his subject of expertise.
- It's scary AF to read. I mean, goddamn. I just don't have the spoons to deal with all this content about how my brain is now probably broken forever, or at least for the foreseeable future.
- It's dense. It's a medical book, I get it; but maybe it's better for the family of the LC sufferer to read, so they can summarize. Personally I think a book to be read by LC people should be more of a series of listicles and bullet points; things easy to digest and, perhaps, remember. Most of this just went in one ear, scared me, didn't stick, and went right out the other.
IMO the book's greatest value is in the tips and tricks for talking to doctors and asking for accommodations. A lot of people will benefit from his virtual hand-holding, I am sure. Thumbs up to Dr. Jackson for addressing the issue and taking it seriously. Three and half stars.
So yeah, I have Long COVID. It's gradually getting better but I'm 13 months out from getting sick and I am OVER not being over it yet. A librarian friend of mine recommended the book so I checked it out. Here's a series of observations re: this book:
-It deals primarily with the brain fog aspect of Long COVID. While I certainly have that –– I lose things constantly and just spent 10 minutes looking for my laptop just so I could write this review, I lose my train of thought mid-sentence or mid-project frequently, and I have a lot more trouble typing/talking/spelling than I did last year –– my main complaint is is fatigue, so I was hoping for tips and tricks for dealing with that, which I did not get, but the author is a neuropsychologist so I see why he didn't stray too far from his subject of expertise.
- It's scary AF to read. I mean, goddamn. I just don't have the spoons to deal with all this content about how my brain is now probably broken forever, or at least for the foreseeable future.
- It's dense. It's a medical book, I get it; but maybe it's better for the family of the LC sufferer to read, so they can summarize. Personally I think a book to be read by LC people should be more of a series of listicles and bullet points; things easy to digest and, perhaps, remember. Most of this just went in one ear, scared me, didn't stick, and went right out the other.
IMO the book's greatest value is in the tips and tricks for talking to doctors and asking for accommodations. A lot of people will benefit from his virtual hand-holding, I am sure. Thumbs up to Dr. Jackson for addressing the issue and taking it seriously. Three and half stars.
March 6, 2025
The author provides good, practical advice for those dealing with the complications of long covid. The combination of the author’s background in neuropsychology combined with his own struggles with OCD create a book that is easy to read, credible, and informative.
I read this book to better understand what long COVID is. Certain sections stood out. I chose to reread his passage on restorative rehabilitation which “…aims to restore or strengthen the brain’s performance (p.67)”. Along this same line, he recommends the use of Sudoku, Scrabble, crossword puzzles, cards, language learning, musical instruments, and new hobbies. In chapter seven he references Viktor Frankl, the Austrian psychiatrist, philosopher, and author who developed logotherapy, which explains humans are driven by a desire to understand the meaning of life. Towards the end of the book, the author emphasizes the importance of relationships for all individuals, especially those suffering from long covid, or any affliction. On page 191 he explains that weak ties are casual acquaintances and these connections are crucial and should be cultivated, especially for someone trying to regain a sense of normalcy.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I now feel more informed. The author references psychological theories, but in a helpful way that does not overwhelm the reader. As I read, I was happy to be reading this book because I think he provides good advice for anyone suffering through an illness as well as the individuals in their lives.
I read this book to better understand what long COVID is. Certain sections stood out. I chose to reread his passage on restorative rehabilitation which “…aims to restore or strengthen the brain’s performance (p.67)”. Along this same line, he recommends the use of Sudoku, Scrabble, crossword puzzles, cards, language learning, musical instruments, and new hobbies. In chapter seven he references Viktor Frankl, the Austrian psychiatrist, philosopher, and author who developed logotherapy, which explains humans are driven by a desire to understand the meaning of life. Towards the end of the book, the author emphasizes the importance of relationships for all individuals, especially those suffering from long covid, or any affliction. On page 191 he explains that weak ties are casual acquaintances and these connections are crucial and should be cultivated, especially for someone trying to regain a sense of normalcy.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I now feel more informed. The author references psychological theories, but in a helpful way that does not overwhelm the reader. As I read, I was happy to be reading this book because I think he provides good advice for anyone suffering through an illness as well as the individuals in their lives.
June 6, 2023
A sensitive, humane book about living with Long Covid. The author is a neuropsychologist and expert on the impact of illness on cognitive function. "In my clinical practice," he writes, "I try to tend to my patients with kindness, gentleness, respect, and compassion without the glorification of suffering." That seems to be the approach here, too.
However, almost none of this was new or particularly motivational for me. I suppose I have been living with Long Covid for long enough (a year), editing and writing about it for longer, and undergoing therapy for much longer, so there wasn't much here to surprise me.
And if I have one real criticism, it's that "thriving" is beyond the reach of many people with LC. He talks a lot about growth after illness, and that feels somehow off to me. Maybe when I'm another year into this process, I will feel differently.
One small but significant missed opportunity: The author notes that many patients have cognitive problems and among the approaches for rehabilitation is using external aids, such as checklists and notes to oneself. (I use these a lot now.) And yet, the book does not give many handy lists. For instance, there are perhaps half a dozen URLs hidden in the text throughout the book. Why not pull all of these resources together at the end of the book? Why not give a summary of the main points at the end of each chapter? That would have been very helpful.
3 1/2 stars
However, almost none of this was new or particularly motivational for me. I suppose I have been living with Long Covid for long enough (a year), editing and writing about it for longer, and undergoing therapy for much longer, so there wasn't much here to surprise me.
And if I have one real criticism, it's that "thriving" is beyond the reach of many people with LC. He talks a lot about growth after illness, and that feels somehow off to me. Maybe when I'm another year into this process, I will feel differently.
One small but significant missed opportunity: The author notes that many patients have cognitive problems and among the approaches for rehabilitation is using external aids, such as checklists and notes to oneself. (I use these a lot now.) And yet, the book does not give many handy lists. For instance, there are perhaps half a dozen URLs hidden in the text throughout the book. Why not pull all of these resources together at the end of the book? Why not give a summary of the main points at the end of each chapter? That would have been very helpful.
3 1/2 stars
September 18, 2023
This book is just what I needed to find! My child has ME/CFS (which he also references several times throughout the book,) and her cognitive deficits are very similar to what he describes with Long Covid. I appreciate being able to gain a better understanding of what's going on with her and options for treatment/therapy. He says, "The more they understand the mechanics of the difficulties they are experiencing, the more empowered they feel --and the more able to see the possibility of a way forward with a treatment plan." This book has definitely helped me feel more empowered and to see glimpses of a way forward.
September 6, 2023
Een beknopte recensie:
Het boek begint goed met veel erkenning en herkenning. De auteur spreekt ook duidelijk uit dat de cognitieve klachten bij long COVID als hersenbeschadiging kunnen worden gezien. Hij is openhartig over zijn eigen ziektegeschiedenis met OCD en lijkt veel ervaring te hebben in het begeleiden van patiënten met long COVID. Gebruikt ook veel praktijkvoorbeelden hetgeen illustratief werkt.
Na blz 65 echter vliegt hij uit de bocht. Hoewel de titel van het boek “clearing the fog “ luidt en de auteur als neuropsycholoog werkt gaat hij nauwelijks in op het behandelen van cognitieve klachten. Slechts een hoofdstukje van 20 blz waarin hij vnl adviseert een app te gebruiken om hersenactiviteit te blijven stimuleren. Verder niets.
Dan volgen maar liefst 120 blz over mentale problemen en lijkt het alsof ik een zelfhulp psychiatrieboek zit te lezen waarin de lezer gestimuleerd wordt toch vooral hulp te zoeken bij psychische klachten. Op zo’n manier dat ieder die het leest wel moet denken dat hij psychische hulp nodig heeft. Ik begrijp dat hij het stigma rond psychische klachten probeert weg te nemen maar hij doet dit op zo’n manier dat het doorslaat en aan gaat voelen als “gas lighting “.
Al met al een zeer teleurstellend boek waar ik veel meer van had verwacht en ook mogelijk was geweest.
Het boek begint goed met veel erkenning en herkenning. De auteur spreekt ook duidelijk uit dat de cognitieve klachten bij long COVID als hersenbeschadiging kunnen worden gezien. Hij is openhartig over zijn eigen ziektegeschiedenis met OCD en lijkt veel ervaring te hebben in het begeleiden van patiënten met long COVID. Gebruikt ook veel praktijkvoorbeelden hetgeen illustratief werkt.
Na blz 65 echter vliegt hij uit de bocht. Hoewel de titel van het boek “clearing the fog “ luidt en de auteur als neuropsycholoog werkt gaat hij nauwelijks in op het behandelen van cognitieve klachten. Slechts een hoofdstukje van 20 blz waarin hij vnl adviseert een app te gebruiken om hersenactiviteit te blijven stimuleren. Verder niets.
Dan volgen maar liefst 120 blz over mentale problemen en lijkt het alsof ik een zelfhulp psychiatrieboek zit te lezen waarin de lezer gestimuleerd wordt toch vooral hulp te zoeken bij psychische klachten. Op zo’n manier dat ieder die het leest wel moet denken dat hij psychische hulp nodig heeft. Ik begrijp dat hij het stigma rond psychische klachten probeert weg te nemen maar hij doet dit op zo’n manier dat het doorslaat en aan gaat voelen als “gas lighting “.
Al met al een zeer teleurstellend boek waar ik veel meer van had verwacht en ook mogelijk was geweest.
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September 4, 2023I am sure this book will be helpful to those at a loss for where to begin navigating the medical system in search of aid for symptoms associated with Covid-19 as well as helpful to those in need of understanding the emotional toll on both the patient and their families, but this is not at all what I wanted out of the book. I am tremendously disappointed, as it is extremely light on the actual science (a frustration I have about most popular science books). I had hoped to learn the specific and various ways in which the Covid-19 virus damages the brain and a detailed explanation of the brain's repair abilities following a sustained Covid-19 infection, along with suggestions for how sufferers can aid the brain's recovery. This was not that. However, I do hope this book proves useful to others.
June 26, 2023
Clearing the Fog was a practical and informative book addressing the issue of COVID-19. This book seems to focus on the long term effect of COVID-19, especially within the health care system. Most people have never dealt with a pandemic, let alone been through one. Written in a cool direct approach towards caring during the COVID-19 pandemic, Clearing the Fog should open many eyes and minds to the complexities of a pandemic, especially a long one. Well recommended
July 10, 2023
This book allows some form of communication to those that believe that chronic illness isn’t real. Although I don’t suffer from long covid I do have many emotional and empathic thoughts about my own critical illness and the gaslighting abuse and trauma the system takes on. There are many insights here that would support caregivers and family members who live with any chronic illness not just LC
The data presented here is empowering
The data presented here is empowering
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
I choose to read this book to learn more about Long Covid as I have a family member who experiences this phenomenon. It is a very practical book and supportive of people experiencing Long Covid. I did think it would be a tough slog for someone with Long Covid to read. I would definitely recommend it for those who are in a relationship of any kind with someone experiencing this challenging and frustrating syndrome.
February 29, 2024
I work with multiple long-COVID patients and one of them told me that found this book helpful. Given that my job centers around cognitive rehabilitation, I already knew most of the information in that area, but I did learn some new things and think this would be helpful to long-COVID sufferers, their families, and other medical practitioners.
April 10, 2024
Didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know. No actual help for brain fog given, just written from a US perspective telling you to go to your family practitioner and asked to be referred to the wealth of clinics available in the US for help.
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August 6, 2023DNF: Got 40 pages in and was unable to face the reality of what reading about what Covid did to my brain. I’ll try again when I’m more at peace with my limitations.
November 15, 2023
A great, practical guide for those living with long Covid and their caregivers.
January 7, 2024
Great information but would be difficult for anyone with brain fog to read and get through. Helpful for others to understand it. Would be more helpful if the layout was different.
March 21, 2024
Lots of good information that can be applied to many aspects of life for those with long COVID, other chronic conditions, and healthcare providers.
July 11, 2024
Audiobook because reading is hard now with Long Covid. I feel like I'm on the right path after having listened to this though. It was helpful and encouraging.
August 8, 2025
Excellent advice for sufferers of Long Covid.
September 16, 2025
This is book was so eye opening! It helped me so much with long covid experience.
December 31, 2025
I found this to be very useful and helpful. As a chronically ill person, I found a lot of it to be relatable even outside of long covid. There is a lot of good general info in here.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews