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Avoid the Summer Letdown

Avoid the Summer Letdown

18 Out of 100 People

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders such as PTSD, panic attacks, phobias, and general anxiety disorder affect 18% of people in the U.S. each year, making them the most common mental health problems.

Anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder when overwhelming fear and worry prevent you from being able to live a normal life. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone and may begin at any age.

People with anxiety disorders are unable to control their own disturbing thoughts. They may start to avoid everyday situations that they fear will trigger more stress.

Anyone in Ventura County who has a question about mental health should seek help immediately, the same way you would ask for help when we have any other health question. If ignored and untreated, extreme anxiety can prevent you from being able to participate in daily life.

Worrying, Anxiety and When It’s Too Much

Everyone experiences worry in some way during daily life. You may feel understandably anxious as a reaction to ordinary urgent situations, for example, if you are running late for work. However, you may also feel anxious when you are worrying about something that may or may not happen, a threat that only exists in your imagination.

SUMMER CAN BE FUN – OR LEAD TO DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

What can you do now to help your child or teen avoid the summer doldrums? Summer is “supposed” to be fun, but the reality can be stressful for a lot of people.

Reasons can include expectations not matching reality, thinking that “everyone else” is having more fun than you, not getting enough sleep, body image issues at the pool or beach and money concerns. This can lead to anxiety or depression – summer slumps that you can help your teen avoid by planning ahead. Keeping busy (but not too busy) with healthy activities is key.

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SOME IDEAS FOR KEEPING SUMMER FUN AND HEALTHY:

  • Volunteer: See www.volunteermatch.org to search by topics for opportunities in your area. It can be a chance to do more with a hobby or explore something new. And helping others can put your own troubles in perspective. It also contributes to a sense of purpose, which can help reduce depression and anxiety.
  • Work: A paid job can help with money issues or saving for college and be a chance to meet different types of people. Check out 2-1-1 Ventura County listings for youth employment.
  • Paid or unpaid internships can provide a chance to see a career up close and get valuable experience.
  • Summer sports: Try a team sport or take a class to learn something new.
  • Summer classes: Check out city rec departments, colleges and more. Try painting or learn how to play an instrument or build a website.
  • Learning to cook can help out busy parents and build healthy habits.
  • Do projects around the house: Helping with an outdoor project or coming up with their own can create a result to see and feel proud about.
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For a crisis, call 911 or the VCBH Crisis Team at (866) 998-2243. Please note that information on WellnessEveryday.org should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult a
healthcare professional before acting on any information found on WellnessEveryday.org.

Ventura County Behavioral Health treatment clinics and programs are licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services. Learn more at www.VCBH.org.
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