Feeling good this summer? Here's why it’s the perfect time to take care of your mental health

During the summer, it’s easy to think, “I feel fine now—maybe I don’t need help after all.”

For many people, summer brings a natural lift in mood: the days are longer, routines are looser, and there’s more time outside. Anxiety feels quieter. Depression feels distant. OCD patterns may ease. In my ten years as a therapist for depression and anxiety in downtown Hamilton, this ease in symptoms is noticeable in my appointment calendar - my schedule is much lighter in June, July, and August. I am happy to see people suffering less during this time.

But this upswing is often seasonal—and temporary.