Summer Stress and your Mental Health and Wellbeing

As summer approaches, we often think of sunshine, vacations, and a break from the hustle of the school year. But for many individuals and families, summer can also bring a unique set of mental health challenges and added summer stress. At Radiant Health, we recognize that while the season may offer light and warmth, it also comes with pressures that can affect emotional wellbeing—especially for parents and caregivers navigating the break in routine.

The Hidden Pressures of Summer

For adults, summer can disrupt the usual rhythms that offer stability. Longer days can mean more social commitments, less rest, and an increase in expectations for family activities or productivity. Those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or seasonal affective shifts may feel unexpectedly low as others appear to thrive in the sunshine.

For parents, summer stress and the pressure can be even greater. Kids are out of school, which can mean scrambling for childcare, planning engaging activities, and managing more time together—all while trying to maintain work responsibilities, finances, and personal wellbeing. The assumption that summer should be “fun and easy” can actually lead to guilt and burnout when it’s not.

Tips for Parents Navigating Summer

1.     Embrace a Flexible Routine
Children (and adults) thrive on structure, but summer doesn’t need a strict schedule to be successful. Try to establish a soft routine—like consistent wake-up times, meals, and quiet periods—to create predictability without pressure.

2.     Plan Low-Cost, Low-Stress Activities
You don’t need to pack every day with outings or camps. Neighborhood walks, water play in the backyard, library visits, or movie afternoons at home can provide joy without draining energy or finances. A quick visit to Pinterest or a google search will help provide tons of options and ideas. Visit 24 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids for additional ideas.

3.     Share Responsibilities
Don’t try to do it all alone. If possible, partner with neighbors, family, or friends to share childcare or plan group activities. Even a small break—a shared playdate or rotating dinner schedule—can offer much-needed relief from summer stress.

4.     Prioritize Mental Health Moments
Take short mental health breaks throughout the day. Whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing, a cup of coffee on the porch, or a quick journaling session, intentional moments can help you stay grounded amid the chaos.

5.     Keep Expectations Realistic
Let go of the pressure to create a “perfect” summer. Children don’t need elaborate vacations to feel loved and secure. Your presence, even when things aren’t ideal, is more valuable than perfection.

When to Seek Support

If you notice that summer stress is leading to persistent feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability, or disconnection, it may be time to reach out. Radiant Health offers a range of services, including counseling, family therapy, and support groups, designed to meet people where they are—no matter the season.

Remember: caring for your mental health is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. This summer, give yourself permission to slow down, ask for help, and prioritize wellbeing—for yourself and for your family. In the month of May, Mental Health Awareness is observed—a time to pause, reflect, and recommit to the wellbeing of ourselves and others. At Radiant Health, this month holds deep significance because it speaks to the core of what we do every day: walk alongside people as they take bold steps toward healing, hope, and transformation.

Radiant Health is here to walk alongside you in every season. If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t wait. Reach out to us for support that’s compassionate, accessible, and tailored to your needs.

Radiant Health is committed to being a shining partner in life’s journey toward well-being. As a trusted healthcare provider, we offer a brighter kind of better by delivering comprehensive mental health services in Grant and Blackford Counties. Our mission is to empower individuals and families through accessible mental health care, care coordination, and education, promoting mental fitness and resilience in the community.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Radiant Health at hello@getradiant.org or call 765-662-3971. To learn more, go to getradiant.org. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or a mental health emergency, please call 988.