What is Cabin Fever?
Cabin fever, while not an actual disease as the name suggests, is a state of restlessness, depression and irritability brought on by an extended stay in a confined space or a remote, isolated area. The lack of environmental stimulation can have real, tangible side effects that have a detrimental impact on anyone suffering from cabin fever. There is little documented evidence, but many speculate that those who may already be mentally unbalanced can be dramatically affected by cabin fever. Historians speculate that the term cabin fever was first used to describe early U.S. settlers who experienced long winters in their log cabins, snowed in until the spring thaw. The term is dated to the 19th century by the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms and is first recorded in 1918, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. Suffering from cabin fever is similar to going stir crazy, a term that originates from a mid-19th century slang term, stir, which meant “prison”. Stir crazy was typicall
The best answer I could find is that it’s associated with being confined in a manner from which you feel there is no escape. (Okay, so that sounds like my entire life!) Do you feel trapped and unable to get out? Do you sense there are no escape routes from your situation? Well, my friend, you may be suffering from cabin fever. I know when my cabin fever is beginning. I find myself rolling aimlessly throughout my home. I also start feeling apprehensive and jittery. What are some of the symptoms of cabin fever? Some people (including me) report wanting to sleep more than normal, while others say they can’t sleep. Many (including me) want to eat more; others don’t have the energy to eat. Cabin fever can create hallucinations and deliria much like a high fever does. It’s a real situation and affects millions of people from all walks of life. So, what do you do when you feel “trapped”? How can you ease the sensations of being “confined”? Don’t become discouraged if something doesn’t work. Y
