Summer break represents freedom from academic stress, but for many teenagers, this seasonal transition brings unexpected mental health challenges. While some teens thrive with the reduced structure and increased social opportunities, others struggle with disrupted routines, social isolation, or anxiety about the upcoming school year. The absence of daily school structure can lead to poor sleep habits, irregular eating patterns, and decreased physical activity — all factors that significantly impact mental wellness.
Paula Martin, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in adolescents at Neuro Wellness Spa in North Torrance, understands how seasonal transitions affect teenage mental health and the importance of maintaining structure even during breaks.
“Summer can be both a positive and a negative — like some kids thrive in school because it’s socializing them, you know, they have all the distractions from issues, and a lot of kids have those issues at home,” explains Paula, highlighting how the removal of school structure affects different teens in vastly different ways.
One of the most important insights Paula shares is about anticipatory anxiety as summer ends. Many teens who feel happy and relaxed during summer break begin experiencing anxiety and depression in August as they mentally prepare for returning to school, especially those transitioning from middle school to high school.
In this informative video, you’ll learn:
- Summer Mental Health Self-Care Checklist
- Back to School Season and Mental Health
- Understanding and Addressing Teen Anxiety: Signs, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- Understanding and Addressing Teen Depression: Signs, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD? Understanding Depression Through Seasonal Triggers
Our psychiatrists offer evidence-based mental health treatments and the latest psychiatric medication options through convenient online visits across California or in-person at our locations in the Los Angeles area. Schedule your appointment today.
Paula emphasizes that maintaining mental health during summer requires the same intentionality we apply to physical health care. Just as we quickly seek medical attention when physically ill, we should prioritize mental wellness with the same urgency and consistency, especially during transitional periods like summer break.
If you’re concerned about how summer break is affecting your teen’s mental health, Neuro Wellness Spa offers comprehensive adolescent mental health services with specialists who understand the unique challenges of seasonal transitions. Our compassionate team provides therapy, medication management, and family support to help teens maintain mental wellness year-round. Call Neuro Wellness Spa today to support your teen’s mental health journey.
Paula Martin, PMHNP, on Teen Summer Mental Health
“Imagine a world where mental health isn’t just a topic, it’s like a daily practice. Prioritizing that well-being of our minds as much as we do our physical health is very key. And in all, like, we’re quick too when we feel sick, you know, go to the doctor or seek, like, some care and take medicine, but not as often as we should when we’re feeling anxious, depressed, or feeling really low do we really check in — like we try to avoid it. So, making sure that we still make it a priority is something that I’d recommend to everyone.
“I’m Paula Martin, I’m a nurse practitioner at Neuro Wellness Spa, and I specialize with adolescents.”
How does summer break affect teen mental health?
“Summer can be both a positive and a negative — like some kids thrive in school because it’s socializing them, you know, they have all the distractions from issues, and a lot of kids have those issues at home. Some kids tend to want to socialize more, making sure that they’re busy, that they have activities, that they’re out in nature, doing things to keep themselves active and experiencing things.
“I think that’s very big for mental health in the summer. These kids like engaging, like doing things, being in the sun. I mean, that’s definitely something big, but some of the negative things about summer to keep in mind is kids end up not sleeping right, not eating right, they aren’t as active, and that can have a big downplay on or it can affect mental health a lot, too.
“I always promote, like, sleep hygiene. Yeah, sure, you’re on summer break, but are you getting enough sleep? Are you doing the right things for yourself? What kind of things are affecting you that worked for you while you were in school that isn’t working anymore? But there’s also the aspect of like, yes, there’s decreased stressor.
“So you’ll see your kid like, you know, being really happy during the summer. But come August when school’s coming near, mentally preparing them, like, OK, yes, school’s coming, a lot of kids get anxious and depressed because they’re anticipating the stress of school and having to deal with, you know, all the assignments. A lot of kids are transitioning from middle school to high school and are really anxious about it. And then, that’s where school avoidance comes into play. So, kind of like, finding that happy balance between everything and making sure there’s still structure.”
“If you’re a parent or teen and you’re worried about your child’s mental health or your own, please come to Neuro Wellness Spa — we’re always here to help.”