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.
ASK is proud to curate the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair which 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.
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!
The John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak can always use some volunteers! To find out about their Teen Volunteer Program, click here.
Calling all high school students! Join the Yorktown Lions Club for their 31st Annual Summer Concert Series in the park! All shows take place at Jack DeVito Field Veterans Plaza on Veterans Road in Yorktown. They are FREE to all & family friendly. High school aged volunteers are needed to help set up, assist with raffles and food, crafts, and break down. For more information and to sign up, 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.
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. Presented by our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Please inquire about setting up a virtual training by contacting Susan Salomone at: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com.
Feeling overwhelmed? Join Us for Nervous System Regulation and Gentle Movement
This will be a safe space where we may connect and come home to ourselves. Practice may be done from a seated position, with options to stand for moving meditations. For more information, click here.
Student Assistance Services Corner
“Helping Students Enhance Their Well Being by Making Healthy Decisions and Remaining Substance Free”
A partnership between a parent/guardian and Student Assistance Counselor best supports the nurturing of the social and emotional wellbeing of students. We encourage you to contact the SAC at your child’s school for a confidential consultation. Click here to learn more.
| Lakeland High School Sasha Meyer Porco, LMSW, CASAC smeyerporco@lakelandschools.org | Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School Ms. Finan, MS lfinan@lakelandschools.org | Yorktown High School Kiara Loughran, MS sacounselor@yorktown.org |
Upcoming Events
July 16 – Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Intergenerational Trauma & Substance Use
Understand how intergenerational trauma shapes substance use, family dynamics, and community patterns. Learn to apply practical, trauma-informed strategies to better support individuals, families, and communities. Register here.
July 21 – From Vapes to Pouches: Helping Kids Avoid & Quit Nicotine
Nicotine use is changing fast, and it’s not just vaping anymore. From e-cigarettes to pouches and dual use, today’s landscape can make quitting harder. In partnership with Truth Initiative, learn how nicotine affects developing brains and mental health, why kids start and struggle to quit, and how to have supportive, nonjudgmental conversations that help them make healthier choices. Register here.
July 22 – Starting culturally affirming therapy: A guide for BIPOC individuals
The thought of starting therapy can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Talking to a stranger about your personal life might not just feel outside your comfort zone, but also be heavily stigmatized within your community. Join Mental Health America for a live panel conversation with BIPOC therapists where they will help you consider how therapy could benefit your mental health and well-being. Register here.
July 23 – AI and Anxiety: What Helps, What Hurts, and What You Should Know
As AI Chatbots become an increasingly commons source of mental health information and support, many people are turning to them in times of anxiety, often withount understanding the risks involved. 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.