Supporting Your Child Through Summer Sadness

We don’t often associate seasonal depression with summer, especially when it comes to kids. They’re out of school, on a nice long break, and their days can be filled with play, spending time outdoors, and more. 

However, for some kids, summer can be unexpectedly challenging for a variety of reasons. Without the familiar routine of school, the days may feel unstructured or overwhelming. They might struggle with changes in their daily schedule, feel uneasy about where they spend their time while you’re at work, or even have difficulty sleeping due to the longer daylight hours. These shifts can leave some children feeling off balance—and emotionally low—during a season that’s often expected to feel joyful.

No matter the reason or the season, it can be difficult to see your child dealing with depression. If some fun in the sun doesn’t seem to make a difference, there are things you can do to help them manage their summer depression effectively. Let’s cover a few of those management techniques. 

Maintain a Schedule

Kids need routine. While they might complain during the school year about having to get up early, it provides them with a sense of stability. Waking your children up early in the summer may not be the solution, but cultivating a daily routine in which they have a consistent wake-up time and bedtime can be incredibly beneficial to their mental health.

Staying up late and sleeping in can throw off your child’s natural circadian rhythms, leading to dysregulation within the mind and body. Not only can this contribute to depression, but it may make transitioning back to their school-year routine more difficult.  

Limit Screen Time

As a parent, you’ve undoubtedly heard the words “I’m bored!” more than once this summer; often, many kids choose to combat this boredom with electronics. There’s nothing wrong with some tablet time, playing video games, or even interacting with friends on social media. However, too much screen time can be detrimental to your child’s mental health. Not only can it keep them from being proactive about their well-being and negatively impact their sleep, but screen time can also lead to overthinking and comparison as they have constant access to the lives of others.

Limit screen time throughout the day and encourage your child to participate in more creative activities, like journaling or drawing. Creative outlets can give your child a safe space to express their emotions, and sometimes, that release is a powerful first step in easing the weight of depression.

Spend Time Outside

Summer is the great season to explore the outdoors. Nature is a wonderful healer when it comes to mental health; it can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, and provide a sense of tranquility. 

Encourage your child to spend time outside each day, and don’t hesitate to set a positive example by joining them! 

There are endless outdoor activities your kids can enjoy; encouraging activities that include movement will contribute to an even bigger serotonin boost. 

Encourage Positive Communication

If you notice that your child seems to be struggling this summer, talk to them. Don’t hesitate to ask how they’re feeling; provide a listening ear as much as possible. Teaching your child healthy communication habits from a young age will encourage their self-expression as they get older.

If your child continues to have a hard time, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Children dealing with mental health issues can benefit from therapy. Not only will they learn how to manage their symptoms, but they’ll be able to prioritize their mental well-being now and well into adulthood.

Summer depression is very real thing not something to be ignored. If you’re concerned that your child is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to our office today to set up an appointment.