Cabin Fever
The term cabin fever may have been used as far back as the early 1800s when people had to quarantine at home with typus fever. Cabin fever began being used more commonly in the early 1900s when early settlers in North America lived in very remote areas and were confined to home for long periods in winter. In recent years, many people experienced cabin fever during the COVID-19 shutdown when they were confined and isolated, according to CNN. Sometimes ‘stir crazy’ is used intermittently with cabin fever. While cabin fever is not in itself a medical condition, the symptoms of social isolation and loneliness that are felt are very real.
VeryWellMind says cabin fever occurs as a result of “being isolated or confined for an extended period of time.” Defining what an extended period of time is, is quite subjective; it might be a few hours for some people, several months for others. According to Healthline, “Cabin fever is a series of negative emotions and distressing sensations if they feel cut off from the world.”
Causes of Cabin Fever
Cabin fever causes include a feeling of being cut off from others due to: inclement weather; location moves; illness/disability; a pandemic type shutdown; or even an extended vacation or maternity leave! Interestingly, introverted people may be able to deal more readily with the social isolation of cabin fever than more extroverted individuals. (VeryWellMind)
Symptoms Of Cabin Fever
Symptoms commonly seen with cabin fever:
- A feeling of the walls closing in on you
- Feeling restless
- Irritability
- Lack of motivation, lethargy
- Troubles concentrating
- Sleep disturbances and trouble waking up
- Distrust of others (Healthline)
Treating Cabin Fever
Cabin fever often relies on what coping methods an individual uses. General coping methods include:
- Move your body! Exercise is a fast way to improve your mood by releasing endorphins. (Southwest General)
- Let in natural light.
- Stay connected by calling friends, have a video chat, have a movie night.
- Have a routine and add something new and fun to your day.
- Enjoy winter in small ways such as a hot drink, a good book, etc. (Southwest General)
- Eat normally instead of overeating.
- Set reasonable goals for daily and weekly accomplishments and reward yourself for completing them.
- Use your brain! Read a good book, do puzzles and board games. Find things to do online also. (verywell)
- Spend time outdoors, when possible, otherwise: open windows, add a bird feeder, have fresh cut flowers, or grow herbs or small plants. Exposure to daylight can help regulate the body’s natural cycles. (Healthline)
Southwest General encourages you to remember that you can manage cabin fever with your own coping skills and adding in some creativity! Seek professional help if symptoms persist or you are depressed or anxious. (VeryWellMind)
Sources:
- CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/19/health/coronavirus-cabin-fever-definition-quarantine-wellness
- VeryWellMind: https://www.verywellmind.com/cabin-fever-fear-of-isolation-2671734
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/cabin-fever#what-is-it
- Southwest General: https://www.swgeneral.com/blog/2025/january/feeling-trapped-indoors-five-tips-to-conquer-cab/#:~:text=Category:%20Southwest%20General%20Medical%20Group,How%20to%20Beat%20Cabin%20Fever
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