As the warm weather rolls in and school lets out, many people look forward to the joys of summer: longer days, vacations, and the freedom from the academic grind. But for some, the shift in routines can bring unexpected challenges to mental health. While the summer season is often marketed as a time for relaxation, it’s also a time when certain stressors and mental health concerns can intensify. Let’s explore how summertime can negatively impact mental health and why it’s crucial to maintain therapy during this time, even when school is off.
1. Disruption of Routines
During the school year, children, teens, and adults alike often follow structured routines, which help keep things predictable. But when school lets out, that sense of structure can go out the window. For individuals with anxiety, ADHD, or depression, the lack of routine can lead to a sense of chaos or restlessness. The absence of consistent schedules might cause feelings of boredom, confusion, or irritability, which can worsen mental health symptoms.
Even adults, who often thrive with predictable work schedules, can feel out of sorts when summer activities take over. The lack of structure, combined with increased social demands, can create additional stress.
2. Increased Social Pressure
Summertime often comes with a slew of social events—barbecues, family gatherings, vacations, and more. For some people, this heightened social interaction can be exhausting. Individuals with social anxiety may find summer’s open invitations overwhelming, leading to increased stress or even social withdrawal.
For others, the pressure to “enjoy summer” can be triggering. Social media posts showing everyone having fun can lead to feelings of inadequacy, FOMO (fear of missing out), or depression, particularly if someone is struggling with personal issues or feelings of isolation.
3. Seasonal Changes and Mental Health
While we often associate sunny days with happiness, the reality is that some people experience mental health symptoms that are influenced by the season. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) isn’t just a winter phenomenon. For some individuals, the intense heat and changes in daylight can contribute to irritability, fatigue, or mood swings.
Additionally, the pressure to be outside in the heat or constant sunlight can feel like an obligation for some, leading to physical discomfort and mental fatigue. The contrast between the idealized summer and personal struggles can create a sense of frustration.
4. Loss of Support Systems
For children and teens, summer means a break from school, which often includes a reduction in structured therapy appointments and support networks. During the school year, students may have access to school counselors, peer groups, and a sense of community. However, in the summer, many students feel disconnected from these resources.
For adults, while summer can offer more free time, it also means less access to consistent support. Work-life stress can feel heightened during this time as people juggle vacations, family visits, and personal responsibilities.
Why Therapy is Important in the Summer
Given all these factors, it’s clear that summer can present unique challenges for mental health. Together, let’s look at why continuing therapy during the summer months is essential:
- Maintaining Consistency: Mental health doesn’t take a vacation, and skipping therapy during the summer can lead to setbacks. Maintaining regular therapy appointments can help individuals stay grounded, process seasonal changes, and navigate any difficulties that arise.
- Creating Routine and Structure: Regular therapy sessions provide a sense of structure and routine that can be especially valuable during the summer months. These sessions offer a reliable point in the week, helping individuals manage anxiety and stress more effectively.
- Managing Increased Stress: Summer can bring about new challenges—travel, family obligations, changes in work schedules—that can trigger feelings of anxiety or depression. Having a therapist to help process these stressors can provide valuable support and coping strategies.
- Preventing Relapse: For individuals in recovery or working through specific mental health challenges (such as depression, eating disorders, or anxiety), the summer months can sometimes trigger a relapse or setback. Therapy helps keep progress on track, offering interventions and guidance when needed.
- Reinforcing Coping Skills: Therapy sessions allow clients to continue practicing and refining skills they’ve learned. Whether it’s using DBT to manage emotional dysregulation or CBT to challenge negative thought patterns, therapy equips individuals with the tools they need to face difficult situations throughout the year.
How to Keep Therapy a Priority
If you’re wondering how to continue therapy during the summer, here are a few tips:
- Talk to Your Therapist About Scheduling: If summer plans are throwing off your usual routine, work with your therapist to find flexible scheduling options. Many therapists offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate busy summer schedules.
- Set Realistic Goals: Use therapy to focus on specific summer goals. This might include coping with social anxiety at family events, setting boundaries with extended family, or managing stress related to changes in routine.
- Consider Virtual Therapy: If travel plans or other commitments make in-person therapy difficult, virtual therapy can be a great option. Many therapists offer telehealth sessions, allowing clients to continue care from anywhere.
In Conclusion
Summer is a time of change, and while it brings joy to many, it can also bring increased stress, isolation, and challenges for those with mental health concerns. Maintaining therapy during the summer can help keep mental health on track, provide structure, and offer support when it’s needed most. Whether you’re navigating the transition from school routines, coping with social pressures, or dealing with seasonal mood changes, therapy is a powerful tool to help you navigate the season with confidence and resilience. Don’t let summer slip by without the support you need to thrive.