Make Summer Holidays Count: The Benefits of Seeking Mental Health Support During the Break

As parents, we all want our children to be happy, confident, and resilient. But young people today face more pressures than ever—social media, exams, peer comparisons, and worries about their future. It’s normal to feel concerned when your child seems different or struggles with their feelings.

In November 2023, the Mental Health of Children and Young People report published by NHS England, found that 20.3% of 8-16 year olds had a probable mental health difficulty. This shows that it is not uncommon for young people to have times where they struggle and as a parent, you are not alone.

The good news is summer holidays are nearly here, and they can be an ideal time to step in and help your child improve their mental wellbeing. Here’s why now is a great time to consider professional support—and some practical ways to support them along the way.

Recognising the Pressures on Young People

Children today are dealing with a lot. The constant presence of social media, academic expectations, and peer pressure can lead to stress, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy. Sometimes, they hide these feelings, but signs like withdrawal, mood swings, sleep issues, or irritability can signal they’re struggling.

If your child's mood or behaviour has changed significantly and persists for more than a few weeks, it’s worth paying attention. These could be signs that they need a little extra help to manage their mental health.

Is It Just a Phase Or Something More?

Many parents will contact me unsure whether their child needs support.  It’s understandable that parents get concerned, as it is hard to see your child struggling and we have an urge to “fix it” or make it “go away.”  It is important to recognise that a lot of us, at some point in our lives, will have times where our mental health is a bit of a struggle and young people are no different. Many young people will go through a tough patch—feeling sad or anxious temporarily, but for some these feelings may be ongoing or interfere with everyday life.  This is when professional support can make a real difference.

Questions to Ask yourself:

•    Are these feelings lasting longer than usual?

•    Are they affecting your child's schoolwork or social life?

•    Do they seem overwhelmed or hopeless?

If the answer is yes, reaching out to a mental health professional can help clarify what’s going on and give your child the tools they need to cope.

Why Summer Holidays Are Ideal for Support

The break from school offers a less stressful environment for therapy. Without the pressures of exams and homework, your child might be more receptive to exploring their feelings and engaging in therapy.  It also means they don’t have to leave lessons and answer questions about “where they are going?”  Scheduling appointments can be easier, and they have more time to process and practice new strategies in a relaxed setting.

How Therapy Can Help Your Child

Therapy provides a safe space where your child can openly share their feelings and learn practical skills to manage them. It can also be easier for some young people to open up about things they find difficult to someone that isn't connected to their family or friends. A therapist can help your child:

•    Understand and label their emotions, reducing confusion and shame.

•    Develop coping strategies for anxiety, sadness, or anger.

•    Build self-esteem and resilience against peer pressure.

•    Improve communication skills and express themselves confidently.

•    Address specific issues like bullying, social anxiety, or self-harm.

Research shows that therapy can lead to improvements in mental health, which often last well beyond childhood. Children who learn healthy ways to handle their feelings tend to do better academically, socially, and emotionally as they grow up. They’re more likely to develop positive relationships, handle stress effectively, and approach challenges with confidence.

The Long-Term Benefits

Investing in your child’s mental health can have lasting effects. Children who receive early support often:

•    Experience better mental health throughout adolescence and adulthood.

•    Develop strong coping skills that help them navigate future challenges.

•    Have higher self-esteem and better relationships.

•    Are more resilient when facing stress, setbacks, or new situations.

Supporting Your Child Alongside Therapy

While therapy is a powerful tool, here are some simple ways you can support your child every day:

•    Create a safe space for honest conversations.

•    Maintain consistent routines for stability as much as you can.

•    Encourage calming activities like walks, mindfulness, or creative outlets.

•    Model healthy coping behaviours yourself.

•    Use books or online resources to help them understand their feelings.

•    Reach out to other parents or support networks—you’re not alone in this.

Trust Your Instincts

Supporting young people when they are struggling can be challenging but trust your gut. If you notice persistent changes or feel your child isn’t coping well, please do reach out. Taking these steps can lift the weight of worry from your mind. Knowing you’re doing what’s best for your child can bring peace of mind and confidence in how to support them. It can help you feel more prepared and less unsure about how to guide them through their challenges. 

If you would like to understand more about therapy and if it could be helpful for your child, you can book a free telephone consultation and have a chat with me.  On this call you can explain what your concerns are, what you feel would be helpful and together we can come up with a plan to support your child in feeling more like themselves again and more able to enjoy the summer. Please email me at dr.sarah@berger.me.uk or call 07498 519586.