3: Cabin Fever Cases

In this chapter, we explore cases of cabin fever on land, at sea, in the air and in space, starting with land, as this is where the term ‘cabin fever’ and other congruent culture-bound or folk syndromes emanate. Where relevant we will extend beyond research evidence to discuss illuminatory literature, memoir or reportage representing the kinds of experience that may occur in these dimensions. As we will see, cabin fever can lead to some extreme behaviours.

Various scholars have noted the mental health challenges of remote areas of Canada, such as the Yukon (Atcheson, 1972; Kehoe & Abbott, 1975). In small accommodation such as cabins or other simple dwellings this phenomenon is deemed as more likely to occur, but not exclusively, in winter months when outside environments may prove inaccessible. A person subject to cabin fever may suffer from sleeplessness (insomnia) or sleepfulness (hypersomnia). They may even develop paranoia and difficulty in rational decision-making. At its extreme, people may feel compelled to escape their spatial restrictions or limited routines, regardless of external conditions or the cost to themselves or others. An overwhelming panic can set in and undermine normal behaviour. Cabin fever may also lead to self- and other-directed violence, including suicide.