Why FOMO Feels Worse During Summer Break for Teens

Quique Autrey, LPC
5 days ago
3 min read

Four friends laugh and eat ice cream cones on a sunny beach promenade with palm trees and a bright sky.

Summer break is often seen as a time to relax, sleep in, and have fun. But for many teens, summer can also bring stress, loneliness, and anxiety.

One big reason is FOMO, or the “fear of missing out.” When a teen sees friends hanging out, going on trips, or posting fun moments online, it can feel like everyone else is having a better summer.

Why Teen FOMO Can Feel Stronger in the Summer

During the school year, teens usually have a routine. They see classmates often, have set schedules, and know what to expect each day.

Summer can remove a lot of that structure. Without school, sports, or regular activities, a teen may have more time to scroll social media and compare their life to others.

This can lead to thoughts like:

“Why wasn’t I invited?”

“Everyone is having fun without me.”

“My summer is boring.”

Even when these thoughts are not fully true, they can still feel very real.

Smiling teens hang out on a city bridge, one red-haired girl piggybacking another; skateboards and skyline in background.

How Social Media Affects Teen Anxiety

Social media can make FOMO worse because teens often see the best parts of someone else’s life. They may see beach trips, parties, sleepovers, or group photos, but they do not see the quiet, boring, or difficult parts of that person’s day.

This can make a teen feel left out, not good enough, or behind socially.

For teens who already struggle with anxiety, ADHD, autism, or social confidence, summer

FOMO can feel even heavier. They may want connection but not know how to reach out. They may feel overwhelmed by group plans or unsure where they fit.

Helping Your Teen Cope With FOMO

Parents can help by taking their teen’s feelings seriously. Try not to say, “Just get off your phone,” or “It’s not a big deal.” Instead, let them know it makes sense that they feel hurt or anxious.

It can also help to create some summer structure. This might include simple plans like exercise, hobbies, family outings, volunteering, or one-on-one time with a friend.

The goal is not to create a perfect summer. The goal is to help your teen feel more connected, grounded, and supported.

A man and a woman are standing side by side, smiling at the camera. The man is tall, wearing a blue suit with a white shirt and white sneakers. The woman is shorter, wearing a sleeveless black dress and gold high-heeled sandals. They are standing in front of a white dresser with a lamp, books, and a small statue on it, in a modern and minimalist room.

Teen Therapy Can Help

If your teen is feeling anxious, lonely, left out, or overwhelmed this summer, teen therapy can be a helpful place to talk through those feelings.

At the Neurodiversity Center of Katy, we support teens who are navigating anxiety, social stress, neurodivergence, self-esteem, and big life transitions.

Reach out today to learn more about teen therapy and how we can support your teen this summer.

Therapy Services at The Neurodiversity Center of Katy

At The Neurodiversity Center of Katy, our services are designed to support individuals and families across every stage of life. We provide personalized, neurodiversity-affirming care that meets you where you are and helps you move forward with confidence.

Our services include:

About Teen Therapist Quique:

A man wearing a black blazer over a white t-shirt sits in a tan chair, smiling at the camera. He has short, neatly styled hair and is accessorized with a black ring, bracelets, and a smartwatch. A patterned curtain and white sheer drapes are in the background.

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 three dogs—a pug and two miniature schnauzers. My hobbies include writing, podcasting, exercising, watching TV, and spending quality time with friends.Learn how teen counseling helps teens manage summer anxiety, build healthy routines, and adjust to changes with support from Neurodiversity Center of Katy.