Summer is often portrayed as a season of joy, vacations, and carefree moments. In media and culture, it represents freedom and fun. However, for many individuals, summer can bring unexpected feelings of sadness, anxiety, and disconnection. While this contrast can feel confusing, it’s more common than many realize. Emotional shifts in summer are not uncommon, and they can stem from a wide range of personal, environmental, and psychological factors. In her capacity as a therapist in Burbank who serves the rest of the state, Dr. Thomas can help.
She understands how these feelings can surface when least expected. With extensive training and decades of clinical experience as a therapist in Burbank, these are some of her tips for how you can manage these emotional fluctuations as well as what you can do if summer becomes more stressful than enjoyable.
Why Summer Can Make You Sad
It might seem counterintuitive that people feel down during a season typically associated with happiness. But the transition into summer can trigger or worsen mental health challenges in ways that aren’t always obvious.
One contributing factor is the shift in routine. For students, teachers, or parents of school-age children, the end of the academic year can mean a sudden change in structure. Without the consistent daily rhythm, some people can feel unanchored, leading to heightened anxiety or depressive symptoms.
Even for adults not involved in school life, the longer days and social expectations can create pressure to be more productive, social, or active—expectations that may feel burdensome rather than enjoyable.
The season’s heat can also contribute to irritability, fatigue, and decreased motivation. Those who are sensitive to light or heat may experience disruptions in sleep or energy, compounding existing stressors. In places like Burbank and greater Southern California, where summer temperatures can soar and public spaces become crowded, what should be fun often turns into a source of discomfort.
In addition, summer holidays and events can create emotional strain. People who are already feeling isolated may find themselves more aware of their loneliness during events that highlight togetherness. Financial concerns related to vacations or childcare can also elevate stress levels.
Understanding the roots of these emotions is a crucial first step in finding relief. Acknowledging that summer sadness is valid can help remove the stigma and encourage individuals to seek the right support from a therapist in Burbank like Dr. Thomas.
Managing Summertime Sadness on Your Own
While working with Dr. Yvonne Thomas can provide deeper, personalized guidance, there are several steps people can take to improve their emotional state during the summer months.
Restoring or maintaining a routine is one of the most effective strategies. Even small daily rituals—such as waking up and going to bed at the same time, taking morning walks, or scheduling regular meals—can bring back a sense of structure that reduces anxiety. Creating a rhythm for the day helps reduce the feeling of aimlessness that can contribute to depressive moods.
Limiting exposure to overstimulating environments may also help. It’s easy to overcommit during summer, saying yes to every invitation or trip. But learning to set boundaries and prioritize genuine needs can lead to a healthier mental state. Quiet time, even when the world outside is lively and bustling, can be necessary and restorative.
Staying physically active, even in short bursts, can boost mood. Exercise increases endorphins and can counteract sluggishness or irritability. Activities like early morning or evening walks, swimming, yoga, or simply stretching at home can provide relief. The key is to choose movement that feels good, not obligatory.
Maintaining social connections can help combat loneliness. This doesn’t require large gatherings or big events. Simple acts, like calling a friend, visiting a family member, or even chatting with a neighbor, can offer meaningful emotional support. Even digital check-ins can help.
Hydration, proper nutrition, and sleep hygiene are also essential. The body’s physical well-being directly impacts mental health. Making time for meals, drinking water regularly, and adjusting sleep environments for warm nights can make a noticeable difference.
How Therapy Supports Summer Mental Health
Despite best efforts, many people still find themselves struggling during the summer. That’s where professional help becomes especially valuable. Therapy is not only for crisis moments—it can be a space to understand emotional patterns, develop practical coping tools, and find support that fits one’s life circumstances.
Dr. Yvonne Thomas offers a safe and confidential environment where clients can explore what they’re experiencing without judgment. She draws from a range of therapeutic approaches, tailoring each session to match the individual’s needs. Whether it’s cognitive behavioral therapy, insight-oriented work, or a combination of methods, Dr. Thomas ensures that the treatment aligns with the client’s goals and preferences.
Working with Dr. Thomas can be particularly beneficial for individuals who feel they should be happy but aren’t. The gap between external expectations and internal reality can cause shame or confusion. Therapy helps normalize those feelings and uncovers their origins, making it easier to shift out of stuck patterns.
Sessions with Dr. Thomas can also provide strategies to reframe unhelpful thoughts, set realistic expectations, and find more fulfilling ways to navigate the season. By identifying what’s truly meaningful for the client—rather than what the world says summer should look like—therapy helps create a more grounded and satisfying experience.
Year-Round Support for Changing Needs
Although this blog focuses on summer, emotional challenges don’t always follow the calendar. One of the advantages of working with an experienced therapist is the ability to explore deeper themes that may show up seasonally but are rooted in longstanding patterns.
Dr. Thomas supports her clients through all stages of life and all times of year. Whether you’re struggling in summer or navigating other seasonal shifts, working with an experienced therapist in Burbank can offer consistent, compassionate care.
Therapy provides a consistent space to process those fluctuations. Clients working with Dr. Thomas benefit from her continuity of care, advanced clinical insight, and personalized approach. This makes it easier to address problems at their core rather than temporarily masking symptoms.
Therapy also helps foster self-awareness. Over time, clients learn to identify their own warning signs, internal patterns, and emotional triggers. That awareness becomes a powerful tool for building long-term resilience.
A Therapist in Burbank Who’s Ready to Help
While summer is often associated with ease, that ease can feel out of reach for many people. Whether the cause is shifting routines, social pressure, or physical discomfort, it’s important to remember that no season guarantees emotional wellness. Acknowledging that truth is a step toward taking back control.
Reaching out to Dr. Yvonne Thomas can be a proactive move for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or misunderstood during the summer months. Her practice is designed to meet people where they are, offering tools, compassion, and perspective that allow for meaningful growth.
No matter what the season, therapy can provide support that endures. It’s not about forcing oneself to feel a certain way, but about understanding those feelings, working through them, and finding a path that feels authentic. In a time of year filled with light, it’s okay to reach for support in finding your own. Dr. Thomas offers that support—discreetly, expertly, and with genuine care for those navigating the emotional complexities of summer.
To see how she can help you, schedule a free consultation today.