For many teens, every day of school can seem like a challenge. When summer break rolls around, it feels easier. There’s less to worry about, fewer social interactions, and more time doing what you like.
That’s the way it seems for parents. For many teens, it’s anything but easy and nearly always leads to new challenges and limitations. If you’re noticing your teen struggling this summer with any aspect of mental health, it’s time to seek help. If your child is at risk of hurting themselves or others, visit Willow Creek Behavioral Health. Just come. We accept walk-ins at any time at our Green Bay treatment center.
Why Teens Struggle with Mental Health During the Summer
The summer months can create numerous high-risk situations for teens. While every situation is different, most teens benefit from seeking out a therapist to work through challenges and build mental health skills they can use for years to come.
Consider the following common signs that your teen’s mental health is struggling this summer and why.
Less Structure
This is a very common reason many teens struggle. The lack of structure means routines are not what they expect and need to stay on track. Some teens stay up very late or sleep in. Their circadian rhythm is off, but they may not be eating regularly or engaging in physical activity like they do most other times.
Social Interactions Still Happen, But They’re Different
Teens often find themselves taking on jobs or engaging in community events and activities. They may spend time with friends more often or visit new hangouts. These are important, and most of the time, valuable social opportunities. But they differ from what they expect and are used to.
Some teens may face exposure to those who bully them. Others may find there is more social pressure to engage in unsafe activities. Some battling severe anxiety and depression find themselves unable to find a way to avoid perceived threats. There are other teens who don’t get any social interaction during the summer. They fall by the wayside and find themselves simply not part of what other kids are doing. That’s painful, too.
Social Media Remains Relentless
Even when school isn’t happening, today’s teens have an ever-increasing amount of time with social media. Social media impacts a teen’s mental health in numerous ways. Many teens face increasing bullying during the summer months. Social media bullying becomes common, and that can wear on mental health in many ways.
It’s critical to recognize concerns such as a child engaging in more reckless behaviors or displaying signs of mental distress. Turning off social media isn’t enough, though decreasing screen time can help. For many teens, social media creates numerous risks, including pressure and opportunity to engage in reckless behavior. When isolation plays a role in this, the risks of complications grow.
What You Can Do to Foster Mental Health for Your Teen This Summer
Teen life isn’t easy. It’s more challenging now than it was when you were a teen simply because of the digital landscape and pressures on children. But there are opportunities for parents to act when there’s a need and provide real, authentic support during the summer.
- Create objectives and structure all summer long. That doesn’t mean an endless list of things to do, but some structure for getting up and engaging in some type of action every day.
- Consider non-digital activities. Clubs, groups, sports, and even time with family are still good for teens, even if they don’t need a babysitter during the summer months. Find ways for them to connect with others. Create communication opportunities outside of the internet.
- Make their time valuable to them. Offer incentives and opportunities. For some kids, taking courses to learn something interesting to them makes a huge difference. For others, it may mean taking a few courses.
Most importantly, as parents, it’s up to you to check in with your kids routinely, spot concerns, and act on them. Summertime is also the ideal time to get your child into therapy and supportive services so they can have a stronger future. For many parents, this is one of the most important steps to take right now to give their child stability. Learn about the most common causes of mental health disorders in teens.
We Can Help You and Your Teen
At Willow Creek, your teen is our priority. We offer a range of acute and ongoing supportive programs designed to support teens with the unique needs they have. Teens don’t just grow out of it. Summer can be a time for them to grow in confidence and improve self-worth. We provide the tools to encourage that type of growth.
Set up some time with us now. Let us help you create a better outcome for your teen’s future.
