Most people recognize the symptoms. They have either had cabin fever or know others who have suffered through it. Cabin fever strikes most often during long, severe winters, but it can get a person down anytime during the year.

What few may realize, says a family social scientist at the University of Minnesota, is that cabin fever is closely related to relationships. Paul Rosenblatt’s research has found that this is particularly true for people who are home caring for children or the infirm. But having a moody housemate is also a way of getting cabin fever. “It’s clear that cabin fever is not only a matter to deal with in yourself, but a matter to face when others interact with you,” says Mr Rosenblatt.

People react to cabin fever in a variety of ways. For some, there is confusion or bewilderment. Others, according to Mr Rosenblatt, blame themselves for the cabin fever of someone they live with, thinking it is caused by something in the relationship. They feel guilty about doing something that might have little to do with their partner’s depression. It can help to be resourceful in dealing with cabin fever. Although there are people who may need outside help with a problem like cabin fever, people often find ways of coping on their own.

“Some people can anticipate when they are going to have cabin fever and plan ways to cope with it”, says Mr Rosenblatt. “People who know that their kids well be home from school for prolonged periods stock some games or plan a couple of excursions. Others stock up on books or save up chores to do.”

Some people’s means of fighting cabin fever, however, are for others an actual source of trouble. For example, while routine may add to the woes of confinement for many, it can give solace to others in the form of keeping busy.

At the same time, some people are less susceptible to cabin fever than others. Some typically enjoy the cold or snow-related activities. They are so accustomed to adapting to bad weather that they do not even recognize the inconveniences, much less succumb to cabin fever.

But what about those who cannot escape cabin fever? A good way to head off tense interaction in the family, Mr Rosenblatt points out, is to give the sufferer a wide berth to ease his or her sense of confinement. A temporary change of scenery or a break in routine may also help.

“Planning a break or get-together, or calling a friend, are ways people end up not feeling so bad,” he adds.

Mr Rosenblatt stresses the normality of cabin fever, cautioning that there is nothing “wrong” with someone for having those feelings. Even the inertia people get is normal. Though many people may be able to help themselves out of the doldrums, others may be stuck because they feel too inert to do something even when they can conceptualize a possible means of coping.

“The self-help angle is important,” says Mr Rosenblatt. “It’s being able to recognize cabin fever in yourself and people around you and adjust for it.”