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As Midwinter Day nears in Antarctica, marking the year’s longest and darkest day, those enduring the winter on this frozen continent will uphold a tradition stretching back over a century. This tradition, born from the earliest Antarctic explorations, celebrates the successful passage through increasing darkness, heralding the return of the sun. The unique psychological challenges of the Antarctic environment have long been a subject of intrigue and concern.
The Harrowing Antarctic Winter
The experience of wintering in Antarctica can be demanding, despite modern amenities like running water and heating. Illustrating this, in March 2025, international news detailed an incident at the South African SANAE IV research station, where a worker reportedly threatened and assaulted fellow crew members. Remote psychological intervention was necessary to restore order.
The isolated and desolate nature of Antarctica presents challenges to its inhabitants. As an Antarctic historian, the events at SANAE IV reflect ongoing perceptions—and realities—that Antarctic conditions can incite unsettling behavior, even leading to psychological distress.
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Early Depictions of Antarctic “Madness”
Early Antarctic literature often portrayed the continent’s impact on both the mental and physical states of individuals:
- “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (1797): Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem depicts a ship driven into Antarctic ice, escaping only to face torment after an albatross is killed.
- “The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket” (1838): Edgar Allan Poe’s tale recounts mutiny, cannibalism, and encounters with ghostly figures in the Southern Ocean.
- “At the Mountains of Madness” (1936): H.P. Lovecraft’s story, likely inspired by real polar expeditions, portrays an Antarctic expedition facing horrors that induce mental breakdown.
- “The Thing” (1982): John Carpenter’s film explores paranoia and anxiety as an alien hunts down researchers at an Antarctic base.
The winter-over crew at the United States’ South Pole Station maintains a tradition of watching “The Thing” annually after the last pre-winter flight departs.
Real-Life Accounts of Psychological Strain
Stories of “Antarctic madness” find roots in historical events:
- Vostok Station (1959): A long-standing anecdote tells of an assault, potentially fatal, following a chess game dispute.
- Bellingshausen Research Station (2018): Sergey Savitsky stabbed Oleg Beloguzov over grievances, including spoilers of books Savitsky was reading. Charges were later dropped.
- Marion Island Station (2017): A team member damaged a colleague’s room with an ax due to a romantic dispute.
Mental Health Concerns in Antarctica
Concerns about mental health in Antarctica are not new. During the “Heroic Age” of Antarctic exploration (1897-1922), expedition leaders prioritized the psychological well-being of their crews, knowing they would face months of isolation, darkness, and extreme cold.
The Belgica Expedition (1898-1899)
American physician Frederick Cook, on the Belgica expedition, spoke of being “doomed” and worried about the “unknowable cold and its soul-depressing effects.”
His fears materialized as crew members reported “general enfeeblement,” “mental lethargy,” and a “universal feeling of discomfort,” leading to a sense of hopelessness.
Louis Bernacchi, from the Southern Cross expedition (1898-1900), described the “mystical and uncanny” atmosphere of the Antarctic night, painting it as a “demon world.”
The Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911-1914)
This expedition faced tragedies, including fatalities and Douglas Mawson’s harrowing survival after being left alone in treacherous terrain. Sidney Jeffryes, a wireless-telegraph operator, developed paranoia due to the harsh conditions at Cape Denison, claiming others were plotting against him.
Mawson attributed Jeffryes’ condition to the environment. Jeffryes was later institutionalized after being found wandering in the Australian bush. His contributions were often overlooked, representing a perceived blemish on the image of Antarctic explorers.
“The continued high winds and monotonous surroundings are undoubtedly trying to the nerves.” – Douglas Mawson
Systemic Problems Beyond Isolation
Focusing solely on the idea that Antarctica induces aberrant behavior can overshadow significant systemic issues.
Reports from the United States Antarctic Program and the Australian Antarctic Division (2022) revealed that sexual assault and harassment were prevalent at Antarctic bases. Scholars attribute these issues not to the environment itself, but to a culture of “heroic masculinity.”
As humanity ventures into extreme environments like space, Antarctica serves as a reminder that isolation can alter human behavior. Midwinter Day celebrations acknowledge survival in a remarkable yet challenging place, where internal mental battles can pose the greatest threat.