Therapy in the Summer? Yes, Even When the Sun’s Out.
Let’s get something out of the way: just because it’s summer and your friends are Instagramming Aperol Spritzes on boats doesn’t mean your anxiety magically takes PTO. If anything, summer can turn up the pressure—especially if you’re juggling identity, family expectations, or the feeling that you’re the only one not “living your best life.”
So... Why Do I Feel Weird in the Summer?
While most people associate seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with winter, about 10% of people with SAD actually experience it during the summer months (Rosenthal et al., 1984). That’s right—"summer depression" is a thing. Longer days and social comparisons (read: doom-scrolling) can increase anxiety and insomnia, especially if you're already prone to overthinking or people-pleasing.
First-gen folks and those navigating complex cultural or religious identities—like many Jewish adults—might feel the seasonal push to “relax” or “have fun” as just one more thing they’re not doing “right.” Therapy helps you unpack whythat is, without judgment (and without telling you to just "go touch grass").
Summer = Transitions. Whether it’s adjusting to a new job, moving cities, or simply trying to keep it together when everyone else seems “chill,” transitions can be tough. And let’s face it, no one talks about how disorienting it can be to feel disconnected from your roots or the expectations placed on you—especially when you’re balancing multiple cultural or familial identities. Therapy can help you navigate those transitions and carve out space for your version of summer peace, not the one you see on social media.
Why Therapy Hits Different in the Summer
Summer can be the perfect time to start—or stay in—therapy. The pace slows down. Your schedule might loosen up. And most importantly, that emotional stuff you’ve been pushing off all year? It doesn’t disappear just because you're wearing linen.
Here’s what therapy in the summer can actually help with:
Boundary-setting when family asks why you're not married yet (again).
Reclaiming joy that doesn’t look like a TikTok montage.
Exploring your identity without the weight of "performing" it.
And hey, real talk: if you’ve been struggling with motivation or imposter syndrome, research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relational therapies are highly effective for both anxiety and self-esteem issues (Hofmann et al., 2012).
TL;DR:
Therapy in the summer is essential, not optional. It’s about maintaining your mental health when the sun’s out, helping you set boundaries with family, reclaim joy without the pressure of "living your best life," and navigating your complex identity. No, it’s not a luxury—it’s maintenance for your brain and your well-being. So, keep that therapy appointment. Your summer self will thank you.
References:
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440.
Rosenthal, N. E., Sack, D. A., Gillin, J. C., et al. (1984). Seasonal affective disorder: A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy. Archives of General Psychiatry, 41(1), 72–80.