Why Summer is the Perfect Time to Keep Up with Your Counselling Sessions
North Vancouver Counselling
Summer months are often associated with relaxation and spending time outdoors. However, for many people, it can also be a stressful time due to changes in routine, social pressure, and other factors. Despite this, some individuals may consider ditching their counselling sessions during the summer months. This decision can lead to significant setbacks in their mental health progress. Here are a few reasons why you should keep up with your counselling this summer:
1. Coping with Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes can impact mental health. In fact, research indicates that there is a correlation between seasonal changes and depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions (Rosenbluth et al., 2016). Counselling can help individuals develop coping mechanisms for handling seasonal changes and the emotional challenges that come with them.
2. Addressing Summer-Related Stressors
Summer months can come with their fair share of stressors, such as social events, family gatherings, and travel. For some individuals, these events can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. Counselling can provide a safe space to discuss these stressors and develop strategies for managing them.
3. Maintaining Routine and Progress
Counselling is a process that takes time, effort, and consistency. Ditching sessions during the summer months can disrupt the progress made in previous sessions and interfere with establishing a routine. Consistency is key, and continuing counselling through the summer can help to maintain progress and establish a routine that can be carried through to the fall.
In conclusion, summer should not be a time to take a break from counselling. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity to continue making progress and addressing mental health concerns. By maintaining consistency, individuals can develop the skills and strategies needed to cope with seasonal changes and stressors that come with the summer months.
If you are looking to start of continue counselling this summer, you can book a session with me through my website at https://kelseyatkinsoncounselling.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/1
References:
Rosenbluth, M., MacQueen, G. M., & McIntyre, R. S. (2016). Depression in the summer: A review of the literature. Psychiatry research, 239, 113-122.