Signs of Summer Depression in Teens
Why It Happens — And How Vancouver, WA Families Can Help
3 Minute Read
Summer is supposed to be the best time of year: long days, warm weather, and a break from homework. But for many teens in Vancouver, WA and throughout Washington, summer doesn’t always live up to the hype. Instead, some teens experience what’s known as summer depression — feelings of anxiety, isolation, or low mood that show up when school’s out.
Why Teens Get Depressed in the Summer
Without school, sports, or after-school activities, many teens lose their daily routine. While downtime is healthy, too much unstructured time can leave teens feeling aimless, unmotivated, and lonely. They may stay up late, sleep all day, and spend hours scrolling social media — which can increase feelings of sadness and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Social media highlights what looks like everyone else’s fun summer adventures — while your teen may feel left out, disconnected, or stuck at home. Combined with back-to-school stress, this can add up to seasonal depression or anxiety during the summer months.
Common Signs of Summer Depression in Teens
• Sadness or hopelessness that won’t go away
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Isolation or avoiding friends
• Anxiety about school or social situations
While some kids bounce back when fall routines return, others need extra support. For some, this might be seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can also occur in the warmer months — or an underlying mood disorder that needs professional care.
How Parents in Vancouver, WA Can Help Teens
• Encourage a daily routine — a part-time job, volunteer work, or summer camp can help
• Limit late-night screen time and support healthy sleep
• Plan screen-free family outings — hikes on local trails, trips to the Columbia River, or days exploring Vancouver’s parks
• Talk about feelings openly and remind your teen they’re not alone
If your teen’s depression or anxiety isn’t improving, it’s time to get professional help.
TMS Therapy for Depression in Vancouver, WA
At NeuroStim TMS, we specialize in evidence-based, non-drug treatment for depression and anxiety — including TMS Therapy, an FDA-approved option that safely targets areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is especially when other treatments haven’t worked, or medications cause too many side effects. Many families in Vancouver choose TMS to help themselves or their loved ones get back to enjoying life — all year round.
Reach out to our friendly NeuroStim TMS Vancouver care team to learn how TMS Therapy can help family reclaim hope, healing, and health.
Reach out today to schedule your Free TMS Therapy Phone Consultation.