The Summer Slide in Teens and Its Impact on Mental Health
The “summer slide” typically refers to the learning loss that many students experience during the extended break from structured academic instruction. While often discussed in the context of academics, the summer slide also has important implications for teen mental health. During the school year, teens benefit from regular routines, social interaction, extracurricular activities, and access to mental health resources. Summer break, while offering rest and freedom, can also disrupt these structures, leading to increased anxiety, loneliness, or even depression in some adolescents.
For teens who struggle with mental health, the lack of consistent support systems during summer can be especially challenging. School-based counselors, teachers, and peer networks play a vital role in helping teens navigate emotional struggles. When these are suddenly removed for months, feelings of isolation can intensify. Additionally, unstructured time may exacerbate issues like screen overuse, poor sleep habits, or unhealthy eating patterns, all of which are linked to mental well-being. Families may not always recognize these shifts as signs of deeper emotional distress, dismissing them as typical teenage behavior.
Fortunately, there are resources and strategies available to support teens through the summer months. Programs like The Jed Foundation (JED) offer valuable mental health education and support for teens and families. Mental Health America provides screening tools and advice tailored to youth mental wellness. Parents and caregivers can also encourage healthy routines, enroll teens in structured summer activities, or seek therapy options such as virtual counseling through platforms like TeenCounseling.
Preventing the mental health version of the summer slide starts with awareness and proactive planning. By fostering open conversations, maintaining healthy daily habits, and ensuring access to support systems, families can help teens enjoy their summer while staying mentally strong and resilient.
Virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair
ASK’s virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair will connect you to resources that support Substance Misuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery; Mental Health and Opportunities for Thoughtful Service.
Click here to view the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair and download the application on your phone. You never know when you, a friend, neighbor or loved one may need this vital information and by having it readily available it truly may be the most important gift you have ever given yourself or shared.
Life is hard, let’s be prepared to take good care of ourselves and one another.
Facts About Fentanyl
Teen Fentanyl Use: How the Fentanyl Epidemic Is Impacting Teens
More than 130 people a day die from opioid-related drug overdoses, according to the US Department of Health & Human Services. And now, new studies show that a record number of teens are also accessing fentanyl. As a result, the rate of teen overdose deaths has increased. Learn more about teen fentanyl use and how to talk to a teen about substance use.
Key Takeaways:
- Fatal opioid overdoses among adolescents ages 12 to 17 have doubled since 2020.
- As a result, drug overdose, usually involving fentanyl, is now the third leading cause of death for children and adolescents.
- Teens are purchasing fentanyl at school, online, via social media, and through friend groups.
- Talking to your teen about drug use and treatment could be a life-saving conversation.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at awesome nonprofits throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. To view these opportunities, please check out Volunteer New York!
John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak can always use some volunteers! To find out about their Teen Volunteer Program, click here.
Yorktown Leos Club
Leadership, Experience, Opportunity! The Yorktown Leos are a community service club for people ages 12-25 willing to help others in the community. They host and participate in a variety of fun and collaborative events. The Yorktown Leos Club has been helping the Yorktown community for over 25 years and to learn how to get involved, click here.
Weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups
From our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups, held virtually every Tuesday and Wednesday via Zoom. Spotlight on Recovery is a Family Educational and Support Group for families struggling with a loved one misusing substances. For more information, click here.
Weekly Yoga for Resilience
Do you have a loved one struggling with addiction? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Carve out time for yourself so you may respond to your loved one with a clear mind and an open heart. Join us on Zoom and we will come together in a safe space to practice somatic mindfulness, grounding and centering, containment and breath regulation. For more information, click here.
July 17 – Virtual Naloxone Training
Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses an overdose by blocking heroin or other opioids in the nervous system for 30-90 minutes. Naloxone is administered by injection or intranasal. Following training, participants receive a kit by mail. Please join our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard on Zoom at 6:30pm. Register by email: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com
Upcoming Events
July 8 – Helping Youth Heal: Support Through Family Addiction, Trauma & Stress
When children experience trauma—whether from addiction in the family or other stressors—their nervous systems adapt in ways that can disrupt emotional regulation and development. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have long-lasting effects, but there are ways to help children heal. Register here.
July 16 – Youth Mental Health First Aid
FREE skills-based training course for adults to help adolescents who experience mental health/substance use challenges or are in crisis. Register here.
July 17 – Understanding Cutting and Self-Harm
Self-injury is a complex behavior that is difficult to understand if you haven’t experienced it. Explore what self-harm is and is not, why people purposely hurt themselves, and the symptoms to look for. Register here.
NAMI Westchester
The families and members of NAMI Westchester are here to help! They offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. To view their calendar, click here.
Westchester Breathes is an ongoing program offered by the Westchester Library System offering an experience of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce stress and anxiety and increase a sense of calm and well-being. These exercises are simple and evidence-based – which is to say …they work! They are free and on Zoom. Register here.