School Holidays and Teen Mental Health:

“Navigating Loneliness and Anxiety During the Break”

As a parent, watching your child grow into a teenager can be both rewarding and challenging. Adolescence is a time of incredible change—physically, emotionally, and socially. It’s a critical stage for mental health, and for many young people, maintaining a positive sense of well-being can be tough.

One of the key moments that may trigger mental health concerns in teenagers is the school holiday period, especially the long summer holidays but even the current shorter holidays can have a negative impact for your teenager’s mental health. While holidays are often seen as a time for relaxation and fun, for some teenagers, the loss of daily structure and the social connections that come with school can lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. These feelings may deepen if they already experience stress or mental health struggles, making them more vulnerable to emotional distress during these breaks.

In fact, the World Health Organization highlights that globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, making up 13% of the overall disease burden in this age group. These figures are staggering, but they also point to the importance of paying attention to our teens' mental well-being, especially during periods when their support systems are not as accessible.

Many factors contribute to the mental well-being of teenagers, and as parents, there are ways we can help create a strong foundation for their mental health.

The Impact of Routine Changes

School holidays can be particularly challenging for children with anxiety disorders, including those with ADHD or general anxiety. Changes in routine—something we might see as a break—can be unsettling for them, heightening their anxiety. As noted by Drummond Street child psychologist Marie Hirst, children who have experienced the loss of a family member may feel that loss more intensely during holidays when family gatherings highlight the absence.

Additionally, cyber-bullying has been shown to spike during the holiday period, as teens spend more time online and may encounter negative peer interactions without the buffer of school-based social support. These combined stressors make it clear why maintaining a healthy routine, even during breaks, can help reduce these emotional pressures.

Pressures on Family Relationships

Marie Hirst also points out that the holiday period can put a strain on family relationships. Parents may feel added pressure without the respite that school typically provides. This heightened stress in adults often trickles down to children, potentially impacting their own emotional well-being. Studies have shown that when parental stress rises, children can absorb some of this tension, intensifying their own struggles.

Building Strong, Supportive Relationships

The relationships teenagers have with family, friends, and other supportive adults can significantly impact their mental health. Feeling loved, heard, and valued within the family is a huge protective factor against mental health problems. Regular check-ins with your teenager, providing emotional support, and maintaining an open line of communication about their worries and concerns can go a long way. Even if they seem more independent, they still need your emotional presence and guidance.

The Importance of Physical Health

It’s no secret that physical health is deeply connected to mental health. For teenagers, encouraging physical activity, healthy eating, and good sleep habits can have a direct, positive influence on their mood and overall well-being. Regular exercise helps regulate emotions and reduce anxiety, while a balanced diet and adequate rest provide the body with the energy it needs to cope with stress.

Keeping an eye on their exposure to substances like alcohol and drugs is also crucial, as these can negatively affect both physical and mental health. Helping them make healthier choices through education and positive role modeling is essential during these formative years.

Supporting Social Connections

Friendships and peer connections play a huge role in a teenager’s sense of belonging and happiness. During the holidays, when school isn’t in session, these connections may dwindle. Encouraging your teen to stay in touch with friends or engage in community activities or hobbies can keep that sense of connection alive. Helping them find ways to stay engaged socially, whether through sports, clubs, or volunteer work, can also boost their sense of purpose and belonging.

Understanding the Broader Challenges

Unfortunately, not all teens have the same support networks or environments. Some face additional challenges, such as exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence, which can increase their risk of developing mental health issues. These stressors, combined with the typical changes of adolescence, can be overwhelming. This is why it’s essential for communities, schools, and families to work together to provide the care and support these young people need.

Raising a teenager isn’t always easy, but your role as a parent is vital. By staying involved in their lives and providing consistent love, guidance, and understanding, you can help your teen navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with more confidence and resilience.

If you’re looking for more insights into supporting teenage mental health, I recommend exploring resources like the World Health Organization's fact sheet on adolescent mental health and the Raising Children Network, along with articles such as Drummond Street Services' helpful exploration of the emotional challenges both teens and parents face during school holidays. There are several places in Victoria that offer support for youth mental health. Here are a few; Headspace, Kids helpline, 13Yarn and Orygen.

Let’s continue the conversation about mental health and make sure our teens know they are never alone.