Cabin Fever Because of Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain That Turned to Icy Roads

What Is Cabin Fever?

The short answer is that cabin fever is restlessness from being in a confined area. Cabin fever is the distressing irritability or restlessness experienced when a person or group is stuck at an isolated location or in confined quarters for an extended time. Research shows that prolonged cold, gray skies, and being stuck indoors can trigger mood shifts similar to “winter blues.”

Cabin fever itself is not a disease, and there is no diagnosis. Everyone feels worried, annoyed, or sad after being cooped up inside for a long period of time. Symptoms will vary, but most people will experience the following:

• Lower mood and energy. Cold temperatures below 50°F are linked to fatigue, sluggishness, and irritability.
• Disrupted sleep rhythms. Short daylight hours and long nights disrupt circadian rhythms, which affects mood stability.
• Increased melatonin. More dim skies and darkness mean more melatonin, more sleepiness, and low motivation.
• Less serotonin. Reduced sunlight lowers serotonin, which can lead to sadness or anxiety.
• Restlessness. Being stuck indoors for days can cause restlessness, irritability, and a sense of being “closed in.”
• Isolation. Snow and ice limit social contact, which can quietly drain emotional resilience.
• Stress from winter hassles. Worrying about pipes, heat, driving conditions, and power outages adds to stress.

At the time of this writing, many people have been impacted by weather conditions across 34 of the 50 states with snow, sleet, and freezing rain causing icy roads. Flights were canceled, store shelves were emptied, and meteorologists warned residents to stay off the roads. Schools, churches, and many businesses were closed. Some people are still being inconvenienced by power usages. They have not been able to get on with their daily routines, activities, and commitments.

People who have pre-existing mental health problems might be more vulnerable. Also, cabin fever is felt more acutely by active, healthy, outdoorsy individuals, for whom the physical restrictions are a big change to their lifestyle.

When situations are out of control, like the bad weather, it can feel like there’s not much that can be done. Residents are feeling helpless and hopeless because they do not know when things will return to normal.

However, here are seven helpful strategies that can be used to help manage some anxiety and depression.

1. Maximize Light Exposure

Because of the weather, there will not be sunny days. Skies will be dark most of the time. Keep blinds open, sit near windows, or use a light therapy lamp. Lack of sunlight during winter can contribute to feelings of depression and lethargy.

2. Remember That Cabin Fever Is Brief

Think realistically about the situation. When we feel anxious or depressed, or feel that things are out of our control, our thoughts can spiral and become more extreme or catastrophic. Try to remember that cabin fever is a brief, time-limited period of isolation, and it will end. Remembering that it is for public safety can also be helpful.

3. Take Care of Yourself

When people are isolated for long periods, they can feel lethargic, down, or irritated. They may not be motivated to shower, get out of their pajamas, or eat well. They eat when they are not hungry. Likewise, they drink when they are not thirsty. Good hygiene, healthy eating, and drinking habits are important for improving moods and maintaining emotional and physical well-being.

4. Keep Active

It is a wise idea to keep active – mentally and physically. Come up with creative things to do while you are stuck at home. Engaging in indoor activities or hobbies can help alleviate symptoms. Exercise around the house can improve your mood and reduce feelings of confinement. Meditating, listening to music, reading, playing word games, working with jigsaw puzzles, and solving crossword puzzles will keep you mentally active.

5. Stay Connected

Social connections with others can be beneficial. Contacting friends and family who are in the same situation will be helpful for you and them. Contacting others by telephone or video chat can help reduce feelings of isolation. Watching television can help reduce feelings of disconnection.

6. Find the Joy of Doing Indoor Activities

Try to focus on enjoyable activities you can do while you are isolated. Make plans for the future and organize your personal affairs. Plan your calendar and decide what you will do when you resume your normal routine.

7. Support Others

Everyone in your area is experiencing the same weather conditions. Check on the elderly and offer any assistance that you can. Be there for them.