Why Summer Needs a Mental Health Plan
While summer in Michigan often brings sunshine, vacations, and time away from school, it can also disrupt routines, increase social pressures, and intensify emotional struggles. Without structure, individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or bipolar disorder may feel overwhelmed or unmotivated. At Maple Leaf Counseling Services, we help individuals and families in Saginaw, Flint, Grand Blanc, Bay City, and Auburn build personalized summer mental health plans that promote healing, structure, and emotional balance.
Recognizing the Risks of Summer Disruption
For many, summer means a break from therapy, school routines, and support systems. While this can sound relaxing, it often results in poor sleep habits, increased screen time, skipped medications, or social withdrawal. Children with ADHD or trauma histories may act out more often, while adults managing mood disorders might experience increased stress or loneliness. Without a plan, these changes can slow or even reverse progress made during the year.
What to Include in a Mental Health Plan
Creating a mental health plan doesn’t mean scheduling every hour of the day. It means having a clear, realistic structure that supports emotional wellness. Maple Leaf Counseling Services recommends starting with daily anchors—regular sleep and wake times, healthy meals, time for movement, and moments for mental reflection or relaxation.
If you’re in therapy, schedule your sessions consistently throughout the summer. Even one session per week can help reinforce coping skills and offer support during unpredictable days. Incorporate outdoor time when possible—walking in a Grand Blanc park or practicing mindfulness in nature can greatly reduce stress and anxiety.
Include goals that match your treatment journey. For someone working on emotional resilience, this might mean journaling or meditation. For someone healing from trauma, it might mean avoiding overstimulation or practicing grounding techniques in safe spaces.
Stay Connected and Accountable
Isolation is a common summer issue, especially for teens and adults facing mental health challenges. Your plan should include regular check-ins with supportive people—family, friends, or a therapist. Group therapy or support networks can also provide ongoing connection and shared encouragement.
At Maple Leaf Counseling Services, we help you define clear, achievable goals and offer guidance through evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and play therapy for children.
Let This Summer Be a Season of Growth
You don’t have to go through summer alone or unprepared. Contact Maple Leaf Counseling Services at 989.220.3060 to create your custom summer mental health plan and ensure that this season supports—not stalls—your journey to healing.
