Navigating Mental Health in the Summer Months

Summer is often painted as the season of ease: sunny days, patio hangouts, vacations, and longer evenings. For some, it brings a genuine sense of relief and joy, especially if you live in Canada. However, for others, summer can feel unexpectedly heavy, disorienting, or even lonely. Just because the weather warms up, it doesn't mean mental health challenges disappear.

The Dichotomy of Summer

You see it all around you. It's almost as if the city comes alive; suddenly, everyone is out and about, wanting to soak up every moment of sunshine and warm weather. But have you also noticed how BUSY and loud summer can be? The pressure to feel good during summer can make people feel even more isolated in their struggles. When everyone seems to be enjoying life—going to the beach, attending festivals, or posting "perfect" summer memories—it can amplify feelings of anxiety, depression, or inadequacy.

For students and teachers, summer often marks a loss of structure. That break can be disorienting, leading to feelings of emptiness or confusion regarding how to fill up the long days.

The Lesser-Known Summer Blues

If you live with seasonal affective disorder, you might be surprised to learn there's a lesser-known version that strikes in the summer months. Even social anxiety can feel more intense with increased invitations, FOMO, or the expectations to "make the most" of your time. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward caring for your mental health.

Practical Challenges Affecting Mental Health

Summer may bring practical challenges that can affect mental health, such as:

• Childcare changes: Parents may struggle with how to fill the time when kids are out of school.

• Financial strain: Vacations or unpaid time off can create added stress.

• Emotional overwhelm: Family gatherings, although joyful, can also be taxing.

  
  

Increased heat can also impact sleep and irritability, making emotional regulation harder.

How to Care for Your Mental Health in Summer

So, how do we care for our mental health during a season that’s supposed to feel light and carefree? Here are some simple strategies:

Keep a Rhythm

Without school or regular routines, it's easy to lose structure. Try to maintain consistent sleep, meals, movement, and rest. It’s okay if your routine changes with the seasons; just try to stay consistent with it.

Make Space for What You Actually Want

Not every summer day needs to be productive or social. Slower days can be just as healing. Take time to reflect on what you truly want to do. Whether it’s lounging at home or attending a local event, prioritize what fulfills you.

Check-in with Yourself

Just because you're booked up doesn’t mean you're feeling fulfilled. Take mental health breaks when needed and be honest with yourself about what you need. Most importantly, know that it’s okay to feel not okay.

Stay Hydrated, Rested, and Cool

Not having our basic needs met—such as nourishment, hydration, rest, and enjoyment—can worsen emotional distress. We cannot run on empty, especially during the hot summer months.

Reach Out for Support

Summer doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Whether it's friends, a therapist, or a support group, staying connected helps. Sharing your feelings can lighten the emotional load.

Conclusion: It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Mental health is a year-round reality. It's normal if summer doesn't magically fix how you're feeling, and it's perfectly okay to not be okay, even when the sun is shining.

It's always a great time to start therapy, especially in the summer! Let’s be proactive about your mental health together. We got you.

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