This Summer TaraVista Is All In
As summer begins, all of us at TaraVista wish children, teens, and families a season filled with fun, relaxation, and memorable moments. For many young people, summer means sleeping in, spending time with friends, family vacations, and a welcome break from the pressures of school.
But for some children and teens, summer can also bring unexpected challenges.
Mental health concerns don’t disappear when the final school bell rings. In fact, for some young people, the loss of routine, structure, and daily support systems can make emotional struggles more noticeable during the summer months.
Why Summer Can Be Difficult for Some Children and Teens
School provides much more than academics. It offers routine, social connection, physical activity, trusted adults, and a sense of purpose. When school ends, those protective factors may suddenly be reduced.
Less Structure and Routine
Many children thrive on predictable schedules. Without school, days can become unstructured, leading to increased boredom, anxiety, irritability, or feelings of being overwhelmed.
Less Interaction with Trusted Adults
Teachers, counselors, coaches, school nurses, and other staff often play an important role in recognizing when a young person is struggling. During the summer, those daily check-ins disappear.
Less Connection with Friends
While some teens stay connected through activities and social media, others experience isolation when they are no longer seeing friends every day. Feelings of loneliness can increase, especially for youth who already struggle with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
Increased Family Stress
Summer can create additional pressures for families, including childcare challenges, financial stress, changes in schedules, and balancing work and family responsibilities.
More Time Online
With fewer structured activities, many children and teens spend more time on phones, gaming platforms, and social media. While technology can help maintain connections, excessive screen time can sometimes contribute to anxiety, sleep disruption, and feelings of isolation.
Warning Signs to Watch for in Children
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling. Signs that a child may be struggling include:
- Increased irritability or frequent meltdowns
- Clinginess or separation anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Frequent headaches or stomachaches without a clear medical cause
- Excessive worries or fears
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Difficulty concentrating
- Regression in behaviors they had previously outgrown
Warning Signs to Watch for in Teens
Mental health concerns in teens can sometimes look different than they do in younger children.
Watch for:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Increased anger, frustration, or mood swings
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
- Significant changes in sleep or eating habits
- Loss of motivation or interest in things they once enjoyed
- Declining personal hygiene
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
- Increased substance use
- Expressions of worthlessness or feeling like a burden
- Talking about death, self-harm, or suicide
If a teen talks about wanting to die, expresses suicidal thoughts, or engages in self-harm, seek immediate help.
When Should Families Seek Help?
Many emotional ups and downs are a normal part of growing up. However, it may be time to seek professional support if symptoms:
- Last for more than a few weeks
- Interfere with daily functioning
- Impact relationships, sleep, or appetite
- Cause significant distress for the child, teen, or family
- Include thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Trust your instincts. Parents and caregivers often recognize when something simply doesn’t seem right.
Where to Turn for Help
You do not have to navigate mental health challenges alone.
Start with Local Supports
- Pediatricians and primary care providers
- School counselors and adjustment counselors (even during summer months, many districts have resources available)
- MassHelpline for both urgent care and resources: Call or Text 833-773-2445
- Community mental health organizations
- Youth-serving organizations and support groups
In a Crisis
If a child or teen is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
TaraVista Is Here When You Need Us
At TaraVista Behavioral Health Center, we understand that mental health needs don’t follow a school calendar.
Our team provides inpatient psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults, and our admissions team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help families understand their options and connect with appropriate care.
Whether you need immediate support, guidance on next steps, or simply aren’t sure where to turn, TaraVista can be a resource.
Need Help?
TaraVista Behavioral Health Center
85 Patton Road, Devens, MA 01434
24/7 Admissions: 978-615-5252
Summer should be a time for growth, connection, and making memories. If your child or teen is struggling, know that help is available—and hope is too. At TaraVista, we’re here when you need us most. 🌳💙
