Isolation, lack of social interactions, depression, sadness, anxiety … Cabin syndrome is a fear born with confinement and the current health situation, which can expose you to a risk of depression.
The cabin syndrome is not a “recognized” disorder in psychiatry, but rather an expression used to designate a difficulty leaving the home and/or a difficulty to resume social life after a period of isolation, as is currently the case with the health situation (confinement, curfew, etc.). This term “cabin syndrome” was made popular at the end of the first containment put in place to fight against Covid-19.
Cabin syndrome: does the fear of going out affect us more with confinement?
For a good “self-regulation of emotions” and therefore good psychological health, it is necessary to find a balance between social moments and moments of solitude. Each individual can regulate their mood by alternating the two.
The pandemic modifies this ideal alternation and imposes social isolation. The risk is that the person conforms to this loneliness and does not seek social situations when he has the possibility. In psychology, we describe this phenomenon with the concept inertia of loneliness.
In today’s isolation environment, the inertia of loneliness defines the tendency to remain in prolonged states of being alone. It is in a way a vicious circle that we set in motion, sometimes without even realizing it: “The more time I spend alone the more likely I will continue to be alone”. This concept is similar to the description of the cabin syndrome, which therefore arose following the first confinement.
In other words, individuals with a high inertia of loneliness tend to alternate less between a state of loneliness and social interactions. They remain in a state of loneliness, and therefore are more likely to suffer from snail syndrome.
Tips from a psychologist to overcome cabin syndrome!
- Don’t say to yourself “I’m just waiting for this to pass and everything will be back to how it was before”. Isolation time has an immediate effect, it damages psychological health by unbalancing the alternation you had between social moments and moments of loneliness.
- Keep in touch with your friends: even remotely, by phone, video or messages, interactions with friends are predictive of happiness.
- Increase the opportunities for social interaction as soon as you can: social interaction helps to get out of rumination states and regulate emotions. Adapt, invent accordingly: invent new modes of communication, use networks, plan video exchanges to discuss with others.
- Force yourself, if the urge starts to fail. Persevere: there are many things that seem unnecessary at first, but doing them activates your brain.
- Plan your day to maintain or establish good habits: isolation may change a social rhythm since there are no more social constraints. It is important to keep a rhythm as before: I sleep at night, I eat balanced, I take care of myself and my appearance, I get active during the day.
- Exercise, keep moving daily.
- Also do emotional exercise: relaxation, meditation, yoga … There are many applications that can help you if you are just starting out.
- Don’t procrastinate! The loss of motivation leads to delaying what you could do now. It increases anxiety and depression. Completing a task on your To do list increases self-esteem and a sense of control over your life.
- Finally, if certain signs persist or appear (depression, anxiety, sadness, loss of pleasure, insomnia, smoking, increased consumption of alcohol, drugs, etc.), do not hesitate to seek outside help from a professional. Online consultations for psychological help are offered, for example, at www.psy.link. Do not wait for this health situation to end: the sooner you consult, the more effective the care will be!
Reference: https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/a32029460/cabin-fever/
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