Summer is supposed to be relaxing, but many parents feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed. Learn why summer can increase mental load, anxiety, and burnout—and how to protect your mental health.

One minute you’re celebrating the end of school. The next, your house feels like a mix between a day camp, a night shift, and a group chat that never stops talking.

If your summer has already included boredom, screen-time battles, or the classic “I’m hungry” five minutes after eating—you’re not alone.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. This guide walks you through your first counseling appointment, intake questions, and what to expect along the way.

I often felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and ashamed. I kept wondering, Why can’t I just get it together like everyone else? Sometimes I told myself I was just flaky or lazy. Other times, I got frustrated for even thinking that. It was this endless loop I couldn’t break.

Professional support, particularly from therapists trained in evidence-based approaches, can play a transformative role in managing depression. Through structured conversations, coping strategies, and emotional guidance, talking to a therapist provides both relief and a path toward long-term recovery.