Going Home for Summer: Protecting Your Mental Health

Coming back from university or college for the summer seems like it should be an easy transition, returning to your family home, settling back into the norm. But it can be more confusing than imagined. You’ve spent a whole year in a new environment, with your friends, experiencing a sense of freedom and now you feel as though you’re back to square one. You may experience feelings of regression despite it being temporary. Some students may be happy to be back, though others may find the transition difficult. There are a whole host of things which could negatively impact your mental health in these circumstances, and you need to know how to manage it, so you are ready for the upcoming year.

How going home for summer can impact your mental health

It is important to remember when you are returning home for the summer to keep your mental health in check. You may be returning to a place where you previously experienced poor mental health and that may be triggering. There could be a lack of opportunities to socialise, and it could begin to weigh heavily on your mental health.

Fear of missing out

One thing that can have a hugely negative impact on a student’s mental health over the summer break is the feeling they are missing out on activities with new friends they have made in university or college. They might see their newly made friends having fun and living their lives and feel as though they are missing out or even worse, experience anxiety as they feel they are being purposely excluded. This will not be the case, but when you feel isolated, your emotions can impact you differently.

Lack of structure

When you return home for summer break, you are leaving an environment of having a clear structure. There are no more scheduled lessons, no more deadlines, no more dedicated social events with groups and societies. If you do not have a summer job, your structure is entirely dependent on your own proactiveness. This lack of structure can leave you feeling lost and aimless which can lead to inactivity and depression.

Poor relationship with parent or guardian

Although people have different arrangements and circumstances, many students will be returning to their parent or guardians’ home. Whilst this may sound ideal on paper, there are some who may have difficult or fractured relationships with their parent or guardian. Whilst during their time in education the previous year, they may have created their own safe space. Returning somewhere that might be considered a negative environment can be traumatic and lead to a massive decline in a student’s mental health. In instances such as this, additional support may be required, including counselling and guidance on how to navigate or escape the situation if necessary. If possible, whether it be financially or logistically, in this situation, it may be better to remain in your educational accommodation.

What to do over summer?

Finding what to do over summer when returning home from education can be difficult. Opportunities could be limited, and you may be isolated from social situations. This is why it is important to keep yourself occupied with activities you enjoy and consider fulfilling.

Stay active

Much like with any summer in education, you will have a lot of free time to yourself. In this time, you can focus on yourself and consider new and engaging ways to stay active. This could be the perfect time to begin getting involved in a local running club, going to gym or beginning a new diet, learning to cook with fresh fruit and vegetables. You don't necessarily need to partake in extensive exercise, it could be a more mindful and relaxing, like practicing meditation, breathing exercises or yoga. Whatever the activity, if it keeps you active and your mind occupied with positivity, it will be a great benefit to your mental wellbeing.

Socialise

Whilst this may prove to be more difficult away from your college or university friends, it is not impossible. There is the option of reconnecting with friends from back home or secondary school and organising activities such as walks, going for a coffee or attending local events. If this is not an option, you can organise virtual meetings with your friends from university or college and even organise trips to their respective homes, giving each of you events to look forward to throughout the summer.

Learn a new skill

With time on your hands, you can begin to consider taking up a new hobby. This can be productive and something that might help you in your education, or it can be something that keeps you entertained. There is an incredible range of thing you can do, and in the summer months, with better weather, the options are even more varied. This is a perfect time, without distractions, where you can focus on being productive and become more mindful.

Related article: How to maintain mental health as a student

Prepare for next year

Regardless of the circumstances of if you have come back for summer between academic years or after your final year in college or university, you can use this time to prepare for the future. This could be finding out what is included on you reading list or syllabus and familiarising yourself with the material, finding internships or even just researching what locations have the best job opportunities for your career prospects. Whatever it is, this is the perfect time to begin to consider what would be best for you in the future and how you could achieve these goals.

How a SAP can help over summer

As stated, despite the summer period seeming like a simple time, it can be incredibly confusing. Sometimes, you may need extra assistance and guidance to navigate it. This is where having access to HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s Student Assistance Programme can help. With access to a 24/7 helpline, 365-days a year, even throughout the summer period, you can speak to qualified counsellors who can provide expert advice on family issues, coping with change, stress and anxiety and a host of other topics. As well as this, to help you with your health and wellbeing, you will have full access to the award-winning Wisdom App. Here you can track your mood, learn new recipes, track your health and nutrition and learn new skills from breathing exercise, to exercise routine and more. Whilst the summer months can be complex, support is always available.

Conclusion

Freedom and independence are in the eye of the beholder. To some, going home for the summer, living with family and seeing old friends are things to get excited about. For others, it means a loss of freedom and is accompanied by a sense of regression and feeling trapped. It is not unnatural to feel that way, and it is not unnatural to need support during these times. To manage your wellbeing during this strenuous time, you need to focus on what you need and seek support if necessary, it may dictate your coming year, whether in education or the world of work.