The Need to Be Out and About

For John, BLUF:  With this weather Cabin Fever can be a problem.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Here is the Wikipedia definition of Cabin Fever, which I think captures most of it, but is a bit in error regarding how people actually react.

Cabin fever is an idiomatic term, first recorded in 1838, for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated and/or shut in a small space, with nothing to do for an extended period.  Cabin fever describes the extreme irritability and restlessness a person may feel in these situations.

A person may experience cabin fever in a situation such as being in a simple country vacation cottage.  When experiencing cabin fever, a person may tend to sleep, have distrust of anyone they are with, and an urge to go outside even in the rain, snow, dark or hail.  The phrase is also used humorously to indicate simple boredom from being home alone.

I think the problem with this description is that while there may be some urge to get out, in fact the person or persons may actually just hunker down and not get out, even when the sun peeks through.

When I lived outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, for two years, Cabin Fever was one of the things one watched for in one's family and with one's neighbors.  We saw it as a public health issue.  Here in Greater Lowell those who have to go to work, even those who have to contend with the MBTA, are the lucky ones, because they do get out and get interaction.

Regards  —  Cliff