Summer can disrupt youth mental health. While school breaks bring rest, they can also mean a loss of structure, social support and stability. For many children and teens, the shift from the school year to summer can trigger emotional challenges even if they don’t realize it themselves.

As a parent or caregiver, you may notice emotional and behavioral changes as a youth struggles to adjust. Does your child need mental health support this summer? Explore the signs, and how you can help.

7 Signs of Youth Mental Health Struggles During Summer

Recognizing the early signs of distress during summertime can make a big difference for the youth in your care. Here are seven signs to watch for that may indicate a youth needs summer mental health support:

1. Withdrawal From Favorite Activities or Friends

If a youth is normally very active with certain activities or circles of friends and suddenly expresses apathy or disinterest in those activities, it may be a sign of depression or anxiety. Pay attention to what the youth in your care likes to do during typical, more positive periods (like swimming, sports, hobbies, spending time with friends and family, etc.) so you can notice the change if they suddenly begin to withdraw from those interests.

2. Ongoing Irritability or Mood Changes

Occasional bad days are normal for everyone, so don’t expect a youth to never wake up on the wrong side of the bed! However, if you notice persistent moodiness, anger or emotional outbursts, this may point to underlying mental health challenges that they are struggling to articulate or understand themselves.

3. Changes in Sleep or Eating Patterns That Affect Youth Mental Health

Both adequate sleep and a balanced diet are important for mental health, and a decline in the quality of either may signify emotional distress. These changes will differ from person to person. One youth may have trouble falling asleep while another sleeps until noon every day. Loss of appetite is a common sign of depression, but overeating can be too. Generally speaking, a shift from your child’s normal patterns can signal a need for mental health support in the summer.

4. Trouble Adjusting to Summer Routines

If a youth is easily overwhelmed by a small change, or in need of frequent affirmation and reassurance, they may be having a hard time adjusting to the transition from school to summer and the lack of structure. This tends to especially ring true for youth who have experienced some form of trauma or instability, such as being in foster care or having previously been in foster care.

5. Social Isolation or Risky Peer Influences and Mental Health

Summer can pose challenges for socialization, without the daily interactions with friends in class. Similar to withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities, a youth who is struggling with their mental health is more likely to isolate, spending long hours alone and avoid interactions with others. This is most obvious in how they withdraw from their peers and caregivers. 

Another socialization change that can signal a mental health struggle is a sudden set of new peers. The freedom of summer can be fun, but it can also be a setting for unhealthy choices.

6. Frequent Unexplained Aches or Fatigue

If a youth seems to struggle with some sort of chronic physical issue, such as headaches, stomach aches, chest pain or fatigue, that after doctor visits and testing seems to have no root cause, this may signal emotional distress. Youth who struggle to identify their feelings and express them often exhibit physical symptoms that they don’t realize are rooted in emotional struggles.

7. Negative Self-Talk or Low Self-Esteem

The language we use has power, so when a youth is practicing frequent negative self-talk, it is likely rooted in feelings of hopelessness or lack of self-worth. If a youth is saying things like “I’m no good at anything” or “I don’t matter,” even in a joking manner, these self-deprecating statements may be cries for help and deserve serious attention.

How Caregivers Can Support Youth Mental Wellness During Summer

If you notice any of the above symptoms of possible mental health challenges or emotional distress in the youth in your care, you are not powerless to help! Here is what you can do to help a youth during this difficult season:

Start a Supportive Conversation

Begin by having a calm, nonjudgmental conversation with the youth about how they are doing. Let them direct the conversation while you utilize open-ended questions and active listening to show support and compassion.

Create a Consistent Summer Structure

Because a lot of summertime anxiety for youth stems from the loss of stability and structure, creating some loose routines can help them feel safe and regulated. Coach your child towards constructive, healthy, fun ways to spend their time during the summer.

Model Healthy Coping Strategies

Children and teens learn self-care and stress relief techniques from their caregivers and other adults. By setting a good example of how to implement healthy coping skills, they are more likely to practice what you preach.

Stay Engaged and Connected

Even if the youth in your care seems to be coping better and adjusting to the changes of summer, maintain regular check-ins to stay engaged with one another. Shared activities are another great way to keep communication open and active.

Getting Professional Help for Youth Mental Health at KVC Kentucky

If you or your child may benefit from professional mental health support, there is hope. KVC Kentucky offers a range of mental and behavioral health services for children, teens and families, from therapy to assessment and referral support to crisis intervention. All of our mental health services are rooted in trauma-informed care to help youth and families navigate this journey with support and compassion. KVC Kentucky’s trauma-informed services support youth mental health in summer and beyond.

Professional mental health support can provide youth with the tools they need to feel understood, empowered and safe, no matter the season. If you notice changes in a youth’s mood, behavior or energy this summer, make a referral to your local KVC Kentucky office and ask for the help they need. Supporting youth mental health in summer is essential for helping children thrive year-round.