Feeling Off This Summer? 5 Signs You Might Need More Than a Vacation

The sun is shining, the patios are open, and social calendars are filling up—but if you’re still feeling low, unmotivated, or disconnected, you’re not alone. Despite what the weather and social media might suggest, not everyone feels their best in summer. If you've been thinking, “Shouldn’t I be happier right now?”—this article is for you.

Sometimes, what we need isn't a vacation or a weekend away. Sometimes, it's something deeper: reflection, healing, and meaningful emotional support.

1. You’re Physically Present, But Emotionally Checked Out

You show up to the BBQs, you smile for the group photo, but it all feels... flat. If you’re feeling disconnected from your surroundings or struggling to feel joy in activities you used to love, it might be a sign of emotional exhaustion or burnout—not just a “busy schedule.”

Therapeutic tip: Emotional numbness can be a defense mechanism. Therapy can help you gently unpack what’s going on underneath the surface.

2. You’re Tired, Even After Rest

Getting 8 hours of sleep and still feeling depleted? While physical fatigue can come from over-scheduling, emotional fatigue can’t be solved by sleep alone. Carrying the weight of unprocessed emotions, constant self-doubt, or anxiety can leave you feeling worn out even when you're doing "all the right things."

Therapeutic tip: A therapist can help you identify what’s emotionally draining you—and how to build energy-giving routines that actually support you.

3. You’re Overreacting to Small Things

Crying after a small inconvenience? Snapping at a loved one over a minor miscommunication? Summer might feel like the season of “good vibes only,” but that pressure can actually intensify our feelings.

Therapeutic tip: If your emotions feel disproportionate or unmanageable, therapy can give you tools to regulate your nervous system and develop emotional awareness.

4. You’re Comparing Yourself Constantly

While others are traveling or achieving milestones, you may feel stuck or “behind.” Summer often amplifies social comparison, especially on social media. If scrolling leaves you feeling anxious, inadequate, or unworthy, it may be time to reflect on your inner dialogue.

Therapeutic tip: You deserve to define success on your own terms. A therapist can help you reframe self-worth and build confidence from within.

5. You Keep Waiting for Something to Change—But It Doesn’t

You might find yourself saying:"I’ll feel better when I finish this project.”"I just need a few more days off.”"After this trip, things will settle."

But if your emotional struggles persist, even after the vacation ends or the task is done, it might be time to get support.

Therapeutic tip: You don’t have to wait until you’re “in crisis” to seek therapy. In fact, early support can prevent emotional build-up and help you feel more grounded long-term.

Maybe You Don’t Need Another Trip—Maybe You Need to Talk to Someone

There's absolutely nothing wrong with needing rest. But when rest alone isn't working, it’s worth exploring what else might be going on. Therapy isn’t about having something “wrong” with you—it’s about creating space to understand, grow, and heal.

At Your Story Counselling, our team of compassionate therapists are here to support your mental wellness—whether you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, or just feel emotionally "off."

➡️ Take a look at our diverse team and find a therapist who feels like the right fit:https://www.yourstorycounselling.com/team

➡️ Not sure where to start? Book a free, 15-minute, no-obligation consultation:https://www.yourstorycounselling.com/contact

You deserve to feel good—not just “get through it.” Let’s help you feel like yourself again.

---

Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.

Judy Lui and her team of clinicians and supervised therapist interns offer trauma-informed, clinical counselling in the form of art, play, and talk therapy. With an emphasis on social equity and justice,

Your Story offers counselling at a range of fee levels. Judy continues to see her clients, manages the clinic as Clinical Director, and mentors master ’s-level therapist interns.

Judy has been featured in the Toronto Star, where she discussed the impact of mental health struggles and the toll of COVID-19 on romantic relationships. She also co-authored a chapter in the first edition of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color. She is a committee member with the Anti-Racism Advocacy Group at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, where she helps organize community events and panels on racial trauma and advocacy.

Judy is also one of three 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalists and will represent the Central Canadian Region (Ontario & Montreal) for this honour.

If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer you.

Should you have questions or inquiries regarding counselling and the process of counselling, please visit our FAQ page. contact us to ask questions, or learn more about our team of therapists before signing up for a free 15 minute consultation.

Terms and Conditions of Use:

The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com

Keywords (30):

summer burnout, emotional exhaustion, therapy Ontario, counselling in Vaughan, counselling in Markham, summer sadness, burnout recovery, mental health support, emotional fatigue, therapist near me, summer blues, therapy vs vacation, therapy tips, mental wellness Ontario, free therapy consult, self care summer, overwhelmed in summer, seasonal depression summer, social media comparison, your story counselling, mental health Vaughan, Markham therapy, nervous system regulation, signs you need therapy, therapy for women, anxiety summer, therapy blog Canada, summer overwhelm, summer self-help, Ontario mental health support