The summer months can bring the invitation to live easily and enjoy the long, sundrenched days it brings. With changes in routines and school out for the summer, students and families can enjoy having more time for leisure and relaxation. However, people are not immune to mental health challenges during this time. Physical and mental stressors such as response to heat, body image, substance issues, shifts in routines, and social pressures can all lead to increased distress. This blog will identify and explore different mental health struggles that are more likely to pop up during the dog days of summer. 
 1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) While people often associate Seasonal Affective Disorder with the winter months, it can also impact people during the summer months. The summer pattern of SAD may be accompanied by symptoms different from those of winter. During the summer, SAD symptoms include: Insomnia Changes in routine and increase in heat can lead to sleep disturbances Decreased appetite Decreased level of appetite can also result in unintentional weight loss Increased anxiety Can be rooted in physiological or psychological origins 

 2. Heat-related Irritability and Aggression  In addition to the rising temperatures, irritability can also be at an all-time high during the summer months. When someone is not physically comfortable, it can become more challenging to maintain emotional regulation. The discomfort from excessive heat can exacerbate anger, potentially leading to: Short temper A decreased capacity to tolerate stressors and frustration can result in an increase in arguments or conflicts with loved ones Generalized negative state Feelings of anger, frustration, irritability, and annoyance may become more commonplace during the summer months  

 3. Disrupted Routines People (especially children) thrive with consistent, predictable routines. With school out for the summer, individuals and families may notice that the change in (or absence of) a routine impacts moods and habits. Some accompanying symptoms of a change in routine are: Increased anxiety Sometimes the absence of a schedule can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm  Difficulty managing time Struggles with maintaining healthy habits With more freedom in daily structure, it is not uncommon to slip out of daily habits that reinforce positive mood states  

 4. Body Image Issues Summer often means wearing less clothing and participating in activities that involve swimsuits. This can exacerbate body image issues for some individuals, leading to: Body dysmorphia A persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in the body, comparisons of others' bodies, and excess time spent on fixing or hiding the flaws that are difficult to manage or control Low self-esteem Avoidance of social activities Choosing to skip out on activities due to feeling uncomfortable with appearance may be a sign that additional support could be helpful  

 5. Increased Social Pressure With more social events like parties, weddings, and vacations, some people may feel increased social pressure, leading to: Social anxiety Nervousness is a common feeling in social situations, anxiety, fear, and avoidance are symptoms of social anxiety Stress about fitting in or meeting expectations Exhaustion from social interactions While the amount of social engagement may increase during the summer months, it’s important to take time to rest and recharge between events 

 6. Financial Stress Summer activities and vacations can lead to financial strain, causing: Stress about expenses Anxiety about budgeting and finances Avoidant behavior around tracking expenditures or budgets may be a symptom of anxiety  Pressure to keep up with others’ lifestyles 

 7. Heat-Related Sleep Issues High temperatures can challenge the body in many ways including a  disruption in sleep, leading to: Insomnia Symptoms may include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when set up for a night of quality sleep Poor sleep quality Fatigue and irritability Maintaining a consistent body temperature in the summer requires more energy from the body leading to feeling tired and sluggish 

 8. Substance Abuse Summer gatherings often involve alcohol and, in some cases, drugs. Increased social activities can lead to higher rates of substance abuse, contributing to: Addiction issues Feeling the need to use substances in social situations could indicate underlying mental health challenges  Increased risk-taking behaviors Substance use can impair executive functioning skills and disrupt decision-making skills  Health complications related to substance use Persistent usage of drugs and alcohol can have a negative impact on the body and its functions which can lead to chronic health issues or more acute problems   

 9. Loneliness and Isolation While summer is often seen as a social season, it can also highlight feelings of loneliness for those without a strong social network or increase feelings of missing out. This can lead to: Depression Feelings of isolation Increased risk of mental health crises 
 10. Travel Stress Traveling can be a major stressor for some people, especially those with anxiety or other mental health issues. Common travel-related stressors include: Fear of flying or other modes of transportation Stress about planning and organizing trips Anxiety about being in unfamiliar places and disruption of routine 

 Conclusion While summer can be a wonderful time for many, it’s important to recognize and address the unique mental health challenges it can bring. It is not uncommon for people to experience a variety of overlapping symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, reaching out to a mental health professional can provide support and strategies to manage these challenges effectively. Heritage Counseling is here to help you navigate these summer-specific mental health concerns and support your overall well-being. To learn more information about counseling services offered at Heritage Counseling, please call 214-363-2345.  

10 Common Mental Health Struggles in the Summer

Low self-esteem, a pressure for perfection, body dissatisfaction, and feeling a loss of control, can cause abnormal eating habits to emerge. There are also physiological components that can contribute to an eating disorder, such as high levels of stress, a family history, childhood trauma, as well as environmental exposure. Abnormal eating habits can fall on two ends of the spectrum, from self-starvation to overindulging to the point of sickness, both of which can cause severe emotional and physical damage to one’s body. • Counseling can challenge an individual’s skewed self-concept and help them see their true selves.

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10 Common Mental Health Struggles in the Summer