As the weather warms, you might notice a familiar feeling creeping in—that unease in your stomach, the discomfort about wearing lighter clothing, shopping for a swimsuit, or facing more social gatherings. If summer stirs up anxiety for you, you’re not alone. Let’s explore what can cause these feelings and how to manage them with care.
Causes of Summer Anxiety
While winter is commonly associated with seasonal sadness, the summer months can also affect mental health in unexpected ways. The pressure to feel carefree, be social, or meet certain body image standards can contribute to feelings of anxiety or sadness—even when everything around you seems bright and cheerful.
Social Anxiety and Seasonal Expectations
While some people look forward to summer parties, weddings, and barbecues, others feel a wave of dread. If you find yourself overthinking every interaction. “Will I say the right thing?” “Will people judge me?” “What if I don’t fit in?” You may be experiencing social anxiety.
Summer’s social calendar can feel especially intense when there’s pressure to be outgoing and carefree. You might feel anxious about seeing old friends, meeting new people, or simply being present in group settings. These feelings are valid and more common than you might think.
Body Image Concerns
Warmer weather often means lighter clothing, swimsuits, and more time outside. For those struggling with body image, this can feel deeply uncomfortable.
Concerns about weight, appearance, or aging may be amplified in summer—especially when surrounded by messages about how you’re “supposed” to look. While others seem carefree in shorts and sundresses, you may feel exposed or self-conscious, making even casual outings stressful.
These feelings can lead to avoiding social events altogether, which may contribute to isolation or even depression.
Coping With Summer Anxiety
While it may be tempting to hide away and wait for fall, there are supportive, gentle steps you can take to manage summer anxiety:
- Know you’re not alone. Many people feel anxious or uncomfortable in social situations. Chances are, someone else at the event feels exactly like you do.
- Connect with someone. Seek out a quiet or reserved guest and start a conversation. A simple moment of connection can ease anxiety and even lead to new friendships.
- Limit social media use. Take a break from apps or accounts that make you feel inadequate. Instead, spend time with content that inspires or soothes—gardening, crafting, home projects, or anything you enjoy.
- Practice calming techniques. Try box breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat a calming affirmation like, “I can handle this moment.”
- Wear what makes you comfortable. If wearing a swimsuit feels daunting, find a cover-up you like. Focus on the experience—the sun on your skin, the sound of laughter, the splash of water—not on how you look.
- Prioritize sleep. Create a sleep-friendly environment: cool room, soft lighting, device-free wind-down time. Aim for 7–9 hours of rest each night to help regulate mood and reduce stress.
When to Seek Help
If anxiety continues to interfere with your ability to enjoy or function during the summer months, professional support can make a meaningful difference. The good news? You don’t have to leave home to get help.
Colony Care Behavioral Health offers both in-person and online therapy sessions, providing private and convenient ways to receive care. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning after a break, support is just a click away.
Utilize our secure online form to schedule a virtual or in-person therapy or psychiatry appointment and start taking steps toward peace of mind this summer.