We hear a lot about the academic summer slide—the learning loss that can happen when kids are out of school for months at a time. But there’s another kind of summer slide that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: the mental health slide. And it doesn’t just affect kids. It affects all of us.
Summer is supposed to be the easy season. Longer days, slower pace, more time with family. And in many ways, it is. But it also brings a unique set of pressures that can quietly chip away at our wellbeing—disrupted routines, overpacked schedules, financial stress from vacations and activities, and the unrealistic expectation that everyone should be happy all the time because, well, it’s summer.
When Routines Disappear, So Does Stability
For children and adults alike, routine is one of the most powerful anchors for mental health. It creates predictability, which creates a sense of safety. When summer arrives and schedules dissolve, that anchor lifts—and for people already managing anxiety, depression or stress, the effects can be significant.
Kids who thrive on structure may become irritable, clingy or withdrawn. Teens, suddenly untethered from the social scaffolding of school, can spiral into isolation. Parents juggling childcare, work, and the pressure to create a “perfect summer” often find themselves running on empty by July.
The Pressure to Be Fine
One of the trickiest things about summer is the cultural expectation that comes with it. Sunshine and good vibes are everywhere—on social media, in ads, in casual conversation. That pressure to perform happiness can make it harder for people to admit when they’re struggling. If everyone else seems to be thriving, something must be wrong with me, right?
Wrong. Struggling in summer is more common than most people realize. And recognizing it is the first step toward doing something about it.
Simple Strategies for Staying Grounded
The good news is that small, intentional habits can make a real difference. A few things worth building into your summer:
- Anchor your days with a loose routine. You don’t need a rigid schedule, but having consistent wake times, meals, and wind-down rituals gives your nervous system something to hold onto.
- Protect sleep. Late nights are tempting, but sleep deprivation is one of the fastest routes to emotional dysregulation—for kids and adults alike.
- Name what you’re feeling. Giving language to emotions, even simple ones, reduces their intensity. This is a great practice to model for children too.
- Limit the scroll. Curated summer highlight reels on social media can fuel comparison and anxiety. A little distance goes a long way.
- Don’t wait until the wheels come off. If you notice persistent low mood, irritability, changes in sleep or appetite, or withdrawal from things you normally enjoy—reach out sooner rather than later.
You Don’t Have to White-Knuckle It
Mental health support isn’t just for crisis moments. It’s for the everyday weight of being human—including the kind that shows up in summer when you least expect it. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season yourself or watching someone you love struggle, help is available.
At TherapyWorks, our team of licensed counselors is here to support individuals and families across all of life’s seasons—including this one. We offer flexible scheduling and a warm, judgment-free environment where you can actually exhale.
Because feeling better changes everything. And that’s what summer should really be about.
Maaliea Wilbur, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is Founder and CEO of TherapyWorks. For more information, visit mytherapyworks.com.
