Feeling Overwhelmed This Summer? You're Not Alone

Feeling overwhelmed during the summer holidays? Whether it’s childcare, travel stress or seasonal anxiety, you’re not alone. Explore our tips and tools to support your mental health this summer.

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Summer is often portrayed as a season of sunshine, freedom and fun - school’s out, holidays are booked, and social media is full of smiling faces in faraway places.

But for many people, summer brings a different kind of pressure.

Whether it’s having the kids at home every day, navigating the logistics (and cost) of family trips, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the expectation to be happy, this season can quickly become emotionally exhausting.

When “fun” feels like too much

For parents and carers, the long summer break can bring joy - but also a lack of routine, financial strain, and the constant juggle of work, childcare, and trying to find time for yourself.

If you’re not going away, you might feel guilty. If you are going away, the planning, packing and unpredictability can trigger anxiety. Add in the heat, overstimulation and disrupted sleep, and suddenly it’s hard to find a moment to breathe.

Sound familiar? You're not alone.

Summer anxiety is real

Many people feel a rise in anxiety during summer, even when everything on the surface looks “fine.” You might feel pressure to socialise more than you want to, or find your mental health dips when routines disappear.

Sometimes the gap between how we feel and how we think we should feel becomes hard to carry.

We want you to know: your feelings are valid.
You don’t need to pretend. And you don’t have to go through it on your own.

We’re here to support you

At My Black Dog, we understand that summer isn’t easy for everyone. If you’re struggling, reach out. We’re a peer-to-peer support service run by people who’ve been there - and we’re here to listen, without judgement.

You can also visit our Resources page, filled with tools, tips, and support to help you manage anxious moments, overwhelming days, and everything in between.

Whether it’s five minutes to reset your mind, or a conversation that helps you feel seen, there is help available.

You’re not alone this summer

If this season feels harder than expected, please remember:

You’re not failing
You’re not the only one
And you are doing your best

Let’s take the pressure off “perfect” summers, and make space for honest conversations about mental health — all year round.

We’re here for you, whenever you need us.

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