Youth Mental Health Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation

Summer vacation should be a time of friendship, adventure, family memories, and carefree days. It should be a season filled with bike rides, campfires, beach days, sleepovers, and the simple joy of being young.

For many children and adolescents, however, summer can also bring unexpected challenges. The end of the school year often means more than a break from classes. It can mean a loss of routine, daily structure, social connection, and access to trusted adults who help identify when a young person may be struggling.

While many children thrive during the summer months, others may find themselves feeling increasingly isolated, anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. For youth already experiencing depression, anxiety, behavioral health concerns, or emotional distress, the absence of school-based supports can make an already difficult situation even harder.

“Summer should be a season filled with opportunities for young people to grow, explore, and enjoy being kids,” said MiraVista’s Medical Director, Kenneth Richmond, MD, FAPA. “But for some children and teens, the loss of daily structure and support can contribute to worsening mental health symptoms. It’s important for families to know they are not alone and that help is available.”

There is a growing need for youth mental health support as research continues to demonstrate the demand for pediatric mental health services.

A study published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Network Open found a significant increase over the past decade in children’s mental health concerns being identified during routine visits with primary care providers, with particularly large increases related to anxiety disorders. Researchers noted that mental health concerns are becoming an increasingly common reason for discussion in pediatric care settings.

Additional research has found that pediatric mental health emergency department visits have increased substantially in recent years, highlighting the ongoing need for timely access to mental health care and treatment resources for children and adolescents.

WHAT ADULTS SHOULD WATCH FOR
Parents, caregivers, coaches, camp counselors, and other trusted adults are often the first to notice when something feels different.

• Increased withdrawal from family and friends
• Significant changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite or eating habits
• Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings
• Increased anxiety or excessive worry
• Loss of interest in activities they typically enjoy
• Declining personal hygiene
• Increased conflict at home
• Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Talking about self-harm, death, or suicide

While every child experiences ups and downs, persistent changes in mood, behavior, or functioning should be taken seriously. Mental health needs do not pause when school lets out. MiraVista remains available throughout the summer to support children, adolescents, adults, families, pediatricians, schools, community providers, and crisis teams.

Through the hospital’s Direct Admission process, eligible children and adolescents, as well as adults, can often be admitted directly to inpatient psychiatric care without an emergency department visit, helping families access treatment more quickly and comfortably when appropriate.

“Our message is simple,” said Dr. Richmond, “Youth mental health doesn’t take a summer vacation, and neither do we. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Reaching out for help is not overreacting—it’s caring. Whether concerns are just beginning or have been building for some time, families should know that support is available.”

FIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH THIS SUMMER
1. Keep Some Structure in Place
2. Stay Connected
3. Encourage Healthy Habits
4. Pay Attention to Changes
5. Reach Out Early

When school’s out, MiraVista is all is. To learn more, contact Kimberley Lee at klee@miravistabhc.care or 413-264-3042.