Brad Sjostrom with AdventHealth Porter said strategies can help parents and young adults maintain mental balance during the transition into summer [1].
Seasonal shifts often disrupt established routines for students and families, which can lead to increased stress or emotional instability. Providing structured support during these periods helps mitigate the risk of mental health declines as the academic year ends.
Sjostrom said simple strategies are designed to keep families supported through these changes [1]. He said staying balanced is important, particularly for young adults who may struggle with the loss of school-based structure [1].
According to the guidance provided by AdventHealth Porter, protecting the mental health of families requires intentional planning during the summer months [1]. By implementing these supports, parents can better identify signs of distress in their children before they escalate into larger crises [2].
Maintaining a consistent schedule, even during vacation periods, is one way to provide the stability young adults need [1]. Sjostrom said these efforts are essential to ensure that the transition from a rigid school environment to a more relaxed summer pace does not negatively impact a person's psychological well-being [1].
Families are encouraged to prioritize open communication, and emotional check-ins as they navigate the season [2]. This approach allows both parents and children to express their needs and adjust their expectations for the summer break [1].
“Protecting the mental health of families requires intentional planning during the summer months.”
The focus on summer transitions highlights a growing recognition in public health that mental health stability is not only tied to high-stress periods like finals week, but also to the void of structure that follows. By treating the transition to summer as a risk period, healthcare providers are shifting toward a preventative model of care for adolescents and young adults.
