do the school holidays negatively impact on your mental health?

[twolemonsinthefruitbowl]

I suffer with depression which is well controlled with meds. however, I always struggle with the school holidays, and it's just occurred to me that my most serious episodes of depression (those which have involved actual attempts on my life) have been in the summer.

I try to plan the holidays to minimise the impact - share the childcare with my ex, keep active etc - but I'm still aware of my mood slipping inexorably downward. I was wondering if others have noticed any correlation between school hols & mental health in THEIR lives

[QuickSloth]

Yes,yes, YES!!! I'm fine all year, then holidays - boom. I hate them. 6 whole weeks of isolation for me. My mood takes a real big dip. I can't wait for the kids to go back to school and for me to go back to work. I'm stuck with a term time only job because with 2 ASD kids I can't get childcare. I don't suffer with depression but I can totally understand where you're coming from on this one. I try to keep busy and spread out things to look forward to, but to be honest, the thing I'm looking forward to most is getting back into the routine of school.

[twolemonsinthefruitbowl]

Yes sloth. I used to feel very guilty when Mums around me would say how much they welcomed the school holidays. I start dreading them from around Easter I think...

[sicily1921]

Hi twolemons, most definitely yes! I've actually just put a thread on titled 'Fed Up Street' and this basically says it all:- quiet and lonely street+ no other children to play with mine + six weeks hols = misery

(There is usually shit weather in that equation but it hasn't actually been too bad this year thank god)

[27cats]

I work term time too and agree it's a difficult time.
I suffer from depression anyway and though I find work tiring and look forward to a break, the reality is that the lack of routine, contact with other adults, (am lone parent) etc means it's actually one of my worst times.
Being stuck home when lots of others go away on holidays doesn't help.
Nor does a house which is totally overwhelming me in terms of jobs that really need doing but I can't face.
Am not having a good day.

Suggestions welcome! (please be gentle!)

[FariesDoExist]

100 % yes

My anxiety levels are through the roof during the summer holidays. My DC argue when they are bored but also I find their constant endless demands very very hard. Currently I do most of the summer childcare but am thinking I must use summer club next year, at least for some of the holidays.

[Bonsoir]

No - I relax during the school holidays. Term times are highly pressured in our household.

But I am glad they are winding down. We are 8 weeks in and DD has another 10 days until she goes back. She is beginning to read voraciously, watch educational DVDs and want to play constant board games - all signs that she has fully relaxed and is rearing to learn!