Many teens spend the final weeks of the school year making plans and looking forward to summer fun. But for others, the last afternoon bell marks a very difficult transition. When summer weather heats up and school is out, this can be a time when environmental changes and life circumstances bring out symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and summer pattern seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The signals of depression can be hard to spot, so it’s important to have regular check-ins with your teen and talk with them about their mental health. The start of summer vacation is a great time to do so. Keep reading for some tips on starting the conversation and supporting a teen who’s dealing with summer depression.

If your teen has expressed thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.

How can I help a teen struggling with summer depression?

When you open up this conversation with your teen, let them know you care about their mental health and set a tone for trust and honesty. To show your teen they can truly feel safe sharing anything that’s on their mind, you have to make it clear that you’re not looking to pass judgment. Your child also needs to know you won’t share any of their personal details without their permission. 

If you find out your teen is feeling depressed, recognize that they’ve taken a brave step by making themselves vulnerable. You can ask your teen how they’ve been coping and what seems to help. Try to empathize with them, and give them some time to fully understand their treatment options before moving forward with any decisions. Keeping their trust throughout this process is essential. Treatment may be necessary in some situations, but it’s only one aspect of a well-rounded mental wellness plan. The last section of this article includes details about some starting points you may consider.

Why do some teens get summer SAD?

Many people with summer pattern SAD start having trouble sleeping when the days get longer. Diminished sleep and hot, humid weather can worsen other symptoms like lower appetite, anxiety and irritability. People who live near the equator are more likely to get summer pattern SAD. To get diagnosed with SAD, however, a person needs to experience symptoms at least two years in a row.

Being away from school routines, extracurriculars and friends can be enough to cause seasonal depression symptoms. Spending more time in home environments with poverty, neglect, abuse or increased gun violence during the summer are realities that cause summer depression for some teens. Also, spending more time outside in summer clothes and bathing suits can draw more attention to any existing body image issues.

9 ways to support a teen with summer depression

Talking with a trusted licensed clinical therapist can help your teen process what’s on their mind and start to challenge negative thought patterns. An effective and multifaceted approach to treating summer depression will also address your teen’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships. Our process-based treatment model ensures that each client gets a personalized treatment plan to build mental wellness in each of these areas.

Physical well-being also has a huge impact on a teen’s mental health. Remember the acronym PLEASE: take care of physical illness, balanced eating, avoiding nonprescription drugs, eight to nine hours of sleep, and exercise.

Here’s a bit more detail on the things your teen can do to cope with summer depression:

• Seek appropriate treatment — Start with an assessment from a licensed clinical professional. They’ll recommend the appropriate level of care for your teen. 
• Make some plans to look forward to — Vacations away from home can be great, but they can put a lot of pressure on the whole family. Have a talk about what experiences could be most rewarding and relaxing before making plans.
• Prioritize your family’s mental well-being — We all have a capacity for the work and play we can realistically expect. What does your teen need this summer? What boundaries may help your teen manage their energy and maintain a positive self-image?
• Talk about summer safety — Summer brings opportunities that can be great growth experiences — but safety comes first. Help your teen stay aware of their risks when going on summertime adventures. Consider making a safety plan for any vacations or big events like music festivals.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule — It can be tempting to stay up late when there’s no school in the mornings. Getting eight to nine hours of sleep every night, even on weekends, is critical for mental wellness.
• Find fun ways to stay fit — Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore, especially during the summer. Fitness activities like yoga, hiking, biking, swimming and surfing are great for both cardio exercise and mindfulness. Team sports come with social connection and other benefits, too.
• Explore spiritual well-being — What inspires your teen and gives them a sense of meaning? Summer can be a great time for reflection and spiritual practice. 
• Work on mindfulness and nonjudgment — Mindfulness practices teach simple concepts that can be difficult to practice, like staying in the moment and accepting yourself as you are. They can help your teen develop emotional resilience and a source of inner calm.
• See the bigger picture — Does your teen have a pattern of summer SAD? Tracking their symptoms can help them have better conversations with their doctor. If medication is part of your teen’s treatment program, spring is the time to talk with their prescriber about making seasonal adjustments.

Talk with your teen about Lightfully treatment options 

If your teen’s depression is getting in the way of their summer fun and overall wellness, it may be time to start exploring new treatments. Many teens start treatment during summer vacation, but it’s important to get some rest and relaxation time, too. Teens may spend four to eight weeks or more in our outpatient day programs and Lightfully Teen Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs). 

We believe parents and families are integral to a teen’s mental wellness. You’ll be welcome to participate in family therapy sessions during their treatment.

Have any questions about finding treatment this summer? Get in touch with an Admissions Counselor or contact us today.