After the demands of the school year, many students eagerly await summer vacation. For many, summer vacation brings mental health benefits, like a break from school work and time with loved ones.
However, Summer is both an exciting and an anxiety-inducing time, as it can mean a loss of contact with close friends, reduced access to counselors, teachers, and other positive adult role models. Many children and adolescents experience a shift from the structured support of school to a more unstructured environment in summer, which can take a toll on their mental health.
These effects, though, are not felt equally. Research shows that students from marginalized backgrounds who disproportionately depend on schools for essential resources like food, medical and mental healthcare, and supervision are at a higher risk for negative emotional outcomes during the summer.
For those many students who access mental healthcare at school, this support abates over the summer, possibly exacerbating or leading to increased mental health issues.
Crime rates and the risk of crime victimization generally increase during the summer, according to The Department of Justice, and exposure to violence can take a toll on mental health. Children and youth from low-income families and neighborhoods and those who are minorities are at greatest risk since they disproportionately live in areas with higher levels of crime.
Many students also face food insecurity over the summer, resulting in mental health issues. Access to school-based food and nutrition programs is curtailed during the summer, resulting in an increased risk of food insecurity among children and youth. Research has consistently found that food insecurity is positively correlated with mental health conditions and symptoms, like rates of depression and stress. A study based on national data of U.S. adolescents found that food insecurity was linked to higher chances of mood, anxiety, behavior, and substance use disorders. A rise in food insecurity resulted in a 14% increase in the likelihood of experiencing a mental health disorder in the past year, the study found.
How to mental health during summer vacation
Maintain a consistent routine
Establishing a consistent daily schedule can help students maintain a sense of structure and predictability during the oft-unstructured summer time of vacation. Try encouraging regular sleep patterns, mealtimes, and unstructured leisure time. Also, it’s a bonus if some of the time is set aside for self-care practices like relaxation techniques, exercise, or hobbies, which can promote stress management and overall well-being.
Soak up the sunshine
Being outdoors and feeling the sunshine helps relax. In fact, studies show that a healthy amount of vitamin D from sun exposure is good for immune systems and moods. Developmentally, playing outdoors cultivates children’s imagination and creativity, and releases endorphins to boost mood.
Unplug and play
Electronics, in excessive amounts, can have a negative effect on children’s mood and self-esteem. Digital detox involves setting certain times of the day that are agreed upon by family members, when everyone switches off their devices and enjoys good old-fashioned fun and family time.
Seek mental healthcare
If a student’s mental health is suffering during summer vacation, it’s important to seek professional support. One way to do this is to specifically look for providers who work with students over the summer or organizations focused on mental healthcare for students.
Find accessible summer programs
The research results have revealed trends toward improvements in summer programs in general measures of mental health, self-perception, social–emotional well-being, and cognition. Disadvantaged populations showed greater improvement in mental health and self-perception compared to non-disadvantaged populations. Students and their families can explore various local resources that may offer accessible summer programming, such as community centers and libraries, and get in touch with schools, local government agencies, or nonprofit organizations that may have information about program scholarships.
Below are some fantastic summer programs in Marin County:
- “Summer for Kids” at Marin County Free Library (https://marinlibrary.org/summer-2024/)
- 2024 Summer Learning Opportunities at Sausalito Marin City School District (https://www.smcsd.org/Departments/Educational-Services/2024-Summer-Learni ng-Opportunities/)
During the 2024 summer program, SMCSD will be offering two separate learning opportunities.
- Students who qualify for Free and Reduced Price Meals or are homeless or foster youth can attend our Summer Program with Bridge the Gap.
- Students whose IEP includes “Extended School Year” provisions can attend our ESY Summer Intersession.
- Math 4 Everyone (https://math4everyone.org/)
This program offer free math classes and fun math competitions for 6th – 8th graders
