The Summer Solstice Just Passed - Now What? Navigating the Season with Support for Anxiety and Depression
Summer’s Light Can Still Bring Shadows
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year—a moment often celebrated for its light, warmth, and energy. But if you're living with anxiety or depression, this season might not feel as bright as it looks from the outside. The shift into summer can bring its own kind of emotional weight, even when everything around you suggests it’s time to feel good.
While others may be soaking up the sun, you might feel like you’re just trying to keep your head above water. That doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. It means you’re human—and your experience is valid.
You don’t have to force yourself to feel cheerful just because it’s summer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just “off,” it’s okay to slow down and pay attention to what you need. Many people quietly struggle during this time of year, even if no one’s talking about it. Naming that truth can be the first step toward feeling a little more grounded, even if nothing changes right away.
You deserve space to honor how you’re really doing—and to care for yourself in ways that actually feel helpful.
Why Summer Can Be Tough for Mental Health
Despite the longer days and upbeat summer playlists, the season can actually intensify symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Here’s why:
- Unstructured time: Summer often brings schedule changes, school breaks, and disrupted routines. Without the structure that helps many of us stay grounded, it’s easy to feel untethered, anxious, or emotionally scattered. The pressure to “make the most” of summer can make things worse, especially if you're already running on empty.
- Comparison traps: Scrolling through endless vacation photos, pool parties, or family outings on social media can spark feelings of loneliness, low self-worth, or the sense that you're somehow falling behind. For those already struggling with depression, this kind of comparison can deepen sadness and hopelessness.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (yes, even in summer): Most people associate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with winter blues, but a lesser-known summer version exists too. Symptoms like insomnia, restlessness, increased irritability, or even appetite changes can creep in—often catching people off guard just when they expect to feel their best.
- Disconnection from emotional needs: The hustle and buzz of summer can create pressure to “just be happy,” which may lead to pushing away or ignoring deeper emotional pain. This kind of emotional bypassing can leave you feeling more disconnected, misunderstood, or stuck.
If You're Feeling Off - You're Not Alone
You might not have words for it—but if you’re feeling tired, foggy, anxious, or out of sync, your experience matters. Shifts in the season can stir up more than we expect, especially when life already feels heavy.
These feelings might show up as a short temper, difficulty sleeping, trouble focusing, or just a quiet sense that something isn’t quite right. It’s easy to dismiss these changes as “just a phase” or something you should be able to push through—but that doesn’t mean you have to.
You deserve space to notice, reflect, and care for yourself—without judgment. Even simply naming what’s going on can bring a sense of relief and clarity. You don’t have to be in crisis to seek support. Sometimes, just not feeling like yourself is enough reason to pause and reach out.
Use the Season for Reflection (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like Growth Yet)
You don’t have to feel joyful just because it’s summer—and you’re not failing if things feel heavy during a season that’s supposed to feel light. Sometimes, the shift into summer is less about soaking up the sun and more about checking in with yourself.
Rather than pushing through or pretending everything’s okay, this can be a meaningful time to:
- Reflect on what you really want or need in the coming weeks
- Acknowledge the pressure to “make the most” of summer and give yourself permission to slow down
- Practice small, steady ways to care for your mental and emotional well-being
Even if growth feels slow or invisible right now, making space to notice your experience—without judgment—is a powerful place to start.
When You’re Ready, Support Is Here
You don’t need to wait for the “right time” to start feeling better. Sometimes just acknowledging that things feel off is the first step—and that’s more than enough for now. If you’ve been navigating anxiety, depression, or just feeling a little overwhelmed by the season’s shifts, you’re not alone. There’s space to talk about it, to sort through it, and to move forward in a way that feels doable. At RAFT Counseling, we meet people where they are. We offer support for individuals, teens, and families across Colorado, creating room for real conversations and meaningful progress.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here. You can reach out to learn more or explore whether therapy might be a helpful next step.