How Summer Break Impacts Your Teen’s Mental Health (And How to Support Them Through It)
- Quique Autrey, LPC
- May 14
- 4 min read
Updated: May 20
Summer break is often seen as a fun and relaxing time for teens. But while it can bring freedom and rest, it can also bring stress, loneliness, and changes to mental health. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to understand how summer affects your teen and what you can do to help.
The Ups and Downs of Summer Break
For some teens, summer is a time to unwind, sleep in, and hang out with friends. But for others, it can feel boring, isolating, or even overwhelming. Without the daily routine of school, teens might struggle to stay motivated or feel a sense of purpose. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or frustration.
Some teens also miss the social part of school—even if they don’t always admit it. Friends go on vacation, routines change, and suddenly, your teen may be spending more time alone.
Why Mental Health Matters in the Summer
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean stress goes away. In fact, the lack of structure can make some mental health challenges even harder. Teens who deal with anxiety, depression, or ADHD may find it more difficult to manage their symptoms without the regular routine of school.
Summer can also be a time when unhealthy habits form, like staying up all night, spending too much time on screens, or avoiding important tasks.
How to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health During Summer
Here are a few ways you can help your teen stay balanced during the summer months:
Keep a Routine: While it doesn’t have to be as strict as the school year, having regular sleep, meal, and activity times can make a big difference.
Encourage Social Time: Help your teen find ways to stay connected—whether it’s through camps, clubs, hobbies, or simply making plans with friends.
Limit Screen Time: Too much time online can lead to more anxiety or low mood. Set healthy boundaries and encourage other activities like being outside or reading.
Talk About Feelings: Ask how they’re doing and listen without judgment. Let them know it’s okay to feel stressed or unsure during this time.
When to Consider Teen Therapy
Sometimes, your teen might need more support than you can give on your own. Teen therapy can be a great option if your teen seems down, anxious, or overwhelmed for more than a few days in a row. A therapist at the Neurodiversity Center of Katy can help your teen explore what they’re feeling, learn new coping tools, and build confidence as they head into the next school year.
Begin Your Teen Therapy Journey at The Neurodiversity Center of Katy
If your teen—or someone close to you—needs a safe place to feel heard and supported, they don’t have to go through it alone. Teen therapy in Katy, TX goes beyond getting through hard moments. It offers a space where young people can build self-confidence, understand who they are, and begin shaping a more hopeful future. With caring support, even tough times can become moments of real growth and learning.
Hoping to see your teen feel more confident and ready to handle life’s challenges? At the Neurodiversity Center of Katy, we work alongside families to help teens move forward. We cheer on their progress, guide them through struggles, and highlight the strengths that make them special. Our goal is to help teens grow emotional resilience while staying true to themselves.
Here’s how to begin:
Connect with Us – Book a complimentary phone consult or set up your teen’s first session.
Create Connection – Your teen will meet with a therapist who listens with compassion and honors their story.
Encourage Growth – With time, your teen will build skills for emotional health, positive relationships, and lasting self-esteem.
Your teen has so much potential. Let’s walk this journey together toward a stronger, more empowered future.
Therapy Services Available at The Neurodiversity Center of Katy
At the Neurodiversity Center of Katy, we offer a variety of services tailored for everyone. Our offerings encompass:
Our dedicated team is eager to share their knowledge and insights on neurodiversity. For more information, please follow our blog or reach out to our office.
About The Author
I'm Quique (say it like "key+kay"), the co-founder and lead therapist at The Neurodiversity Center of Katy. Working with neurodivergent individuals is my passion. My clients often tell me that they find it easy to relate to me and appreciate my blend of expertise and down-to-earth advice.
For over two decades, I've dedicated my career to supporting neurodivergent individuals. My journey began in youth ministry, transitioned into teaching at a high school tailored for neurodiverse students, and ultimately led me to therapy.
My personal encounter with psychological challenges deeply informs my work. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in my youth and later grappling with OCD as an adult, my therapeutic journey was transformative. It was through engaging with a skilled therapist that I learned to navigate my challenges productively. This experience was so impactful that it propelled me to support other men facing similar neurodiverse challenges.
I'm known for my vibrant personality and my knack for establishing genuine connections with neurodiverse clients. My therapeutic approach is engaging, focused on solutions, and tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.
Outside of my professional life, I'm a family man, blessed with a loving wife, four children, and two dogs—a pug and a French bulldog. My hobbies include writing, podcasting, exercising, watching TV, and spending quality time with friends.
Feel free to contact me. I would love to know how I can support you on your therapy journey.
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