Summer: long days, no school and endless possibilities. While that’s the picture we often have in our heads, the reality for some teens can be quite different. It may surprise you to learn that summer can be a tough time for some teens, and parents need to be aware of the potential for depression and risky behaviors. 

We often hear about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the winter months, when shorter days and less sunlight can impact people’s mood. However, SAD is not just strictly for the chilly, short days of winter. Some people can experience summer pattern SAD. 

It’s important to know that summer depression isn’t just a case of the “summer blues.” It’s a real form of depression with similar symptoms to other types, but its onset and sometimes specific triggers can be linked directly to the summer season. 

Can teens get depression in the summer?

Yes, they can. Summer depression is more connected to social pressure, body image issues and sleep changes. For teens, this can be especially challenging as they face new expectations, social situations and extra free time with less structure.

You may not think of summer as a high-risk time for mental health, but it can be. It can be particularly troublesome for teens who thrive on structure or who are already struggling with emotional regulation. Here are a few causes of teen depression in the summer:

• Lack of routine — When the school year is over, teens lose the daily rhythm of classes, homework, sports and other after-school activities. This lack of structure can lead to feelings of isolation, boredom and low motivation, all of which can fuel depression. 
• Boredom and loneliness — Without something meaningful to do, many teens may spend their days sleeping in, scrolling through social media or feeling disconnected from their friends. Believe it or not, boredom isn’t completely harmless. It can lead to low mood, risky decision-making and even substance use in some cases. 
• Risky behaviors — More free time means more chances for unsupervised activities. Some teens may partake in risky behaviors such as underage drinking, unsafe driving, substance use or unsafe social interactions. Often, these risky behaviors are attempts to cope with deeper feelings of anxiety, stress or sadness. Teens may also be more likely to try reckless activities due to peer pressure.
• Sleep disruption — Without the need to get up early, teens may stay up later and sleep all day. These shifts in sleep can mess with their natural mood cycles and increase their risk of depression. 

Warning signs to watch for this summer

It can be hard to tell the difference between normal teen behavior and signs of depression. But there are some red flags you can keep an eye on, especially during the summer. These red flags include your teen:

• Displaying long-lasting feelings of sadness or irritability
• Showing a loss of interest in things they used to love
• Having changes in sleep, like sleeping too much or not sleeping at all
• Having changes in appetite, leading to noticeable weight loss or gain when not trying
• Lacking energy or complaining of fatigue
• Expressing feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Withdrawing from their normal social life
• Talking about death, taking their life or self-harming behaviors

If your teen shows several of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, it may be time to seek professional help. A diagnosis requires five or more symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks, with one being either depressed mood or loss of interest. If you’re teen is at risk of hurting themselves, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.

What parents can do: Prevention and support

While there’s no perfect solution that will fit every teen, being proactive can make a big difference in your teen’s summer experience. Here are some practical steps parents can take to support their teen during the summer months:

• Create a summer routine — Help your teen stick to a daily schedule that includes a healthy balance of rest, activities and responsibilities.
• Encourage connection — Isolation can make depression worse. Try to encourage participation in safe social interactions, such as family activities,part-time jobs, camps or volunteer work, that can give your teen a sense of purpose. 
• Watch for warning signs — Stay alert to any changes in your teen’s mood or behavior. If you notice red flags, don’t ignore them. Talk to your teen openly and nonjudgmentally.
• Limit screen time — Too much time online, especially on social media, can make teens feel worse about themselves. Encourage your teen to do offline activities and take regular breaks from screens. It’s also important to be mindful of cyberbullying, as it can also significantly impact your teen’s mental health. 
• Support healthy habits — Exercise, sleep and nutrition all play a role in mental health. Encourage your teen to get outdoors, keep a regular sleep schedule and eat balanced meals. 
• Plan family time — Make an effort to spend quality time together as a family. This can help strengthen bonds and provide opportunities for connection and support. 
• Seek professional help — If you’re noticing red flags or are concerned about your teen’s mental health, it’s important to seek professional help. Summer can be the perfect time for teens to start a treatment program.

Don’t wait until the school year starts or things get worse. Addressing mental health concerns early can make a big difference in your teen’s well-being. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available.

Lightfully Teen can help your teen reclaim their summer joy

At Lightfully Teen, we believe in treating more than just symptoms. Our whole-person-centered care approach looks at every part of your teen’s life, their thoughts, behaviors, relationships and experiences, so we can provide deeply compassionate and personalized care that fits their unique needs. 

If your teen is struggling this summer, now is the ideal time to take action. We offer a variety of levels of care that can meet your teen where they are and help them build resilience, confidence and the tools to thrive, not just in summer, but all year long. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step to help your teen, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of your teen.