Summer Break or Breaking Point? Supporting Youth Mental Health All Summer Long

It’s summer and for many children and teens, summer break is a time of freedom and relaxation from the demands of the school year. With more flexible schedules and activities to enjoy, the summer months are a welcomed break away from academic stress and pressure. However, changes in normal routines can cause increased social isolation away from peers, family stress, and apprehension about the upcoming school year.

As summer begins to draw to a close, many students may feel anxiety about reentering the classroom, reconnecting with old and making new friends, or adjusting back to a regimented routine. Parents can often find themselves struggling with how to best support their children through these changes. However, understanding how and having the tools to help can make a significant difference in helping children maintain positive mental health.

Why Summer Break Is Not Always a Break

While many children look forward to summer break, the transition to summer living is not as easy as it appears. Throughout the school year, many students benefit from a more structured routine of classes and afterschool activities. They also regularly interact with their peers and have access to trusted adults such as teachers, guidance counselors, and coaches. When the school year ends, the structure disappears and resources are often times temporarily cut off.

When children do not have a structured schedule, they may suffer from disruptive sleep patterns, increased screen times, and feel lonely and isolated from their friends. Additionally, the students who regularly rely on mental health and free lunch services often do not have access to these programs throughout the summer. Students who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other conditions may struggle significantly more during the summer.

As a parent or family member, it is important to try to maintain a regular schedule as best as possible during the summer break. Maintaining a routine bed time (even if it is a little later in the summer), encouraging physical activity, and planning social outings with family and friends can help provide some of the stability many children need. Remember, you do not need to strictly maintain the same exact school schedule, but rather, create enough stability and consistency for children to feel secure in their day to day life.

The State of Mental Health in Teens

The conversation around mental health in teens has become an important area of conversation in education and healthcare globally. There have been increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles among children and teens. According to the World Health Organization, globally, one in seven 10-19 year olds experience a mental disorder with depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders ranking in the top three. However, many of these disorders are left untreated and without the daily structure that school provides, can lead children to struggle even more. These numbers point to the ever growing need for early intervention and continued support.

Many mental health challenges do not point to one single cause but are rather a combination of many different factors. Bullying, family stress, academic pressure, and social media can all add up to emotional struggles. While the summer may temporarily pause some of these factors, it does not completely eliminate them all. Parents and caregivers should pay attention to changes in behavior rather than expect a child to come and speak up directly. Many children struggle in silence and may feel ashamed to articulate that they are struggling. If you notice increased withdrawal from friends, loss of interest in hobbies, changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, or physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches, it is important to seek out additional support.

While some of the symptoms may be small, recognizing them early can help tackle these concerns before they become larger challenges.

How to Prepare for Back-to-School Anxiety

As the end of summer approaches, many students begin to start thinking about and preparing for the upcoming school year. While this can be exciting for some students, it can trigger anxiety for others. Anxiety has no age limit and can impact children of all ages.

Some of the common concerns that trigger anxiety include worrying about making new friends, adjusting to a new school or classroom, academic expectations and extracurricular activities, and returning to school after instances of bullying or harassment. Even students who love school can feel anxious about transitioning back to a more rigid schedule.

To aid in adjusting back to a more formal school schedule, start to implement changes back in around two weeks before classes resume. Gradually adjust bedtimes and practice morning routines to make the transition back less daunting and more familiar for teens and children.

Parents and caretakers can help to reduce the level of anxiety by opening up conversations before the first day of classes. Reframing and asking open-ended questions such as, “what is the most exciting thing you are looking forward to?” or “do you have any areas of concern that you are nervous about?” can help open up honest conversations without placing additional pressure on children. Remember, never invalidate your child’s emotions. Instead let them guide conversations and validate their feelings.

Resources That Can Help

Navigating mental health concerns with youth is difficult and no one should have to do it alone. Parents, caregivers, school counselors, teachers, and other community mental health organizations all play an important role in supporting children. Many schools partner or have relationships with community organizations to provide support for students, and their families including counseling and crisis support services. However, knowing how to access this help before a crisis is important. If you notice that your child is withdrawn, engages in self-harm, or expresses other concerning traits, immediate professional support needs to be sought. Early and quick intervention can save a life.

At Hearts 4 Minds, we are committed to destigmatizing the shame and embarrassment around mental health struggles. Through our various initiatives including H4M Connect, National Reference Library, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, and Murals with Meaning around the Jacksonville, FL area, we are dedicated to providing the resources children, parents, caregivers, and educators need.

As summer winds down and the beginning of a new school year approaches, preparing children for the year ahead should involve more than shopping for school supplies. Check in and take an active interest in the emotional well-being of children, including reminding them that they do not need to face the challenges of life alone. When everyone comes together and has honest and open conversations, everyone is set up to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, Text LIFE to 741741. Trained therapists are available 24/7 to assist. You are not alone!