Mental Health in Summer: Why It Can Be Hard and Where to Get Support

In short: Summer is not always an easy time for mental health. Hot weather, disrupted sleep, changes in routine, money pressures and social expectations can all affect mood and anxiety. Self-help steps can make a real difference, and talking therapies are available through NHS Talking Therapies (self-referral in England) or privately. If you are in crisis, call NHS 111 and choose option 2, or call 999 in an emergency.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains why some people struggle in summer, practical ways to cope, and how to find the right kind of support.

Why can summer affect your mental health?

Summer is often portrayed as a happy, carefree season, which can make it harder to admit you are struggling. Common pressures include:

• Heat and poor sleep: warm nights can disrupt sleep, which affects mood, concentration and irritability.
• Loss of routine: school holidays, time off work or reduced services can unsettle people who rely on structure.
• Social and body-image pressure: holidays, events and social media can increase anxiety or feelings of isolation.
• Money worries: childcare, travel and days out can add financial stress.
• Alcohol: drinking often increases in summer and can worsen low mood and anxiety.

A smaller number of people experience a summer pattern of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), with low mood, poor sleep and reduced appetite that returns each summer.

Which mental health conditions may feel worse in summer?

• Anxiety, including social anxiety
• Depression and low mood
• Bipolar disorder, where changes in sleep and daylight may affect mood stability
• Eating disorders, which may be affected by body-image pressure
• Stress and burnout linked to work or caring responsibilities

Can hot weather affect mental health medicines?

Yes. Some medicines can affect how your body handles heat or fluids. For example, lithium levels can rise if you become dehydrated, and some antipsychotics and antidepressants can affect temperature control or sweating. Keep hydrated, stay cool, and speak to your pharmacist or prescriber if you feel unwell in hot weather. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine without advice.

What can I do to look after my mental health in summer?

• Keep regular sleep and wake times, and keep your bedroom as cool and dark as possible
• Build a simple daily routine, even when you are off work
• Stay active in cooler parts of the day
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Plan downtime and do not feel obliged to accept every invitation
• Take breaks from social media if it leaves you feeling worse
• Talk to someone you trust about how you feel

What types of talking therapy are available?

NICE guidance sets out which therapies are recommended for different conditions. A clinician can help you decide which approach suits you.

How do I access therapy: NHS or private?

In England, adults can refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression without seeing a GP. Your GP can also refer you, or discuss other options such as medication or specialist services.

Some people choose private therapy because they want to choose their therapist, appointment times or session format. Whichever route you take, check that your therapist is properly registered. Practitioner psychologists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Counsellors and psychotherapists should be on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as those held by BACP, UKCP or BABCP.

When should I get urgent help?

• If you feel you might harm yourself or are not safe, call 999 or go to A&E.
• For urgent mental health support in England, call NHS 111 and choose option 2.
• Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential text support.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to feel low in summer?

Yes, it is more common than many people think. If low mood lasts more than two weeks or affects daily life, speak to a GP or mental health professional.

Do I need a GP referral for therapy?

Not always. In England you can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies, and private therapists usually accept self-referrals.

How many therapy sessions will I need?

It varies. Many structured therapies such as CBT involve around 6 to 20 sessions, but your therapist will agree a plan with you.

Can therapy be done online?

Yes. Many therapists offer video or telephone sessions, which can work well for many people.

Key takeaways

• Heat, poor sleep, disrupted routines and social pressure can affect mental health in summer.
• Simple steps such as regular sleep, routine and limiting alcohol can help.
• Some mental health medicines need extra care in hot weather.
• Therapy is available through NHS Talking Therapies or privately; check your therapist's registration.
• Seek urgent help via 111 option 2, Samaritans or 999 if you are in crisis.

Sources and further reading

• NHS: Find NHS Talking Therapies
• NHS: Seasonal affective disorder
• NHS: How to cope in hot weather
• Samaritans

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

If you are in Wigan, Standish or the surrounding area and would like to talk to someone, find out more about our mental health and psychology services, including support for depression and anxiety and relationship counselling.