Sunshine and Shadows: Mental Health in Alaska’s Endless Summer
- Sunshine Staff
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
When the sun barely sets and the party never seems to stop, summer in Alaska can feel like a whirlwind of celebration. With months of daylight and a short window to enjoy outdoor adventures, festivals, and family gatherings, it’s no wonder our communities go all-in. But behind the joy and energy of Alaska’s vibrant summer lies a truth we don’t always talk about: this season can also be emotionally and mentally challenging for many.
What Summer in Alaska Really Feels Like
Living in a place where the sun doesn’t set can feel both magical and overwhelming. The long days encourage activity, often at the expense of sleep and rest. Many people feel pressure to "make the most of summer," leading to packed schedules, social burnout, and physical exhaustion. Others may feel out of sync with loved ones or struggle with feelings of loneliness despite the crowds and celebrations.
Common summer mental health challenges in Alaska include:
Insomnia and disrupted sleep cycles due to continuous daylight
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) from over-scheduling and social pressure
Exhaustion and burnout from trying to do too much
Alcohol or other substance overuse often normalized in party settings
Post-event blues and mood swings once the excitement fades
These feelings don’t make you weak or antisocial—they make you human.
Small Shifts, Big Impact: Summer Self-Care in Alaska
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your life to protect your mental health. A few simple tools can help you stay grounded during the high-energy summer months:
Stick to a sleep schedule. Use blackout curtains or sleep masks to simulate night and give your brain the rest it needs.
Schedule “you” time. Leave white space on your calendar for rest, hobbies, or spontaneous joy—without guilt.
Stay hydrated and nourished. With long days and late nights, it's easy to forget the basics.
Be mindful of substance use. Enjoy your summer—but know your limits and watch for signs that alcohol or drugs are becoming a coping mechanism.
Get quiet. Time in nature, journaling, or even 10 minutes of meditation can go a long way in helping you reset.
Support Is Strength: When to Reach Out
You don’t have to be in crisis to talk to someone. In fact, more Alaskans than ever are seeking support. Over 1 in 5 adults in Alaska have engaged in counseling or therapy in the past year, a promising sign that the stigma around mental health is finally lifting.
If you feel like:
You’re constantly overwhelmed
You’re struggling to sleep or enjoy things you normally love
You’re isolating yourself from friends or family
You’re feeling anxious, numb, or emotionally “off” for more than a few days
…it might be time to talk to someone. And that’s okay. That’s strong.
Our Behavioral Health Team Is Here for You
At Sunshine Community Health Center, our Behavioral Health (BH) team offers compassionate, confidential support tailored to our community. We use a variety of evidence-based methods, including:
Individual and family counseling
Telehealth sessions for flexible access
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques
Substance use counseling
Youth and school-based services
Our team focuses on meeting you where you are—whether that’s needing tools to manage stress or processing deeper trauma. You don’t have to go it alone.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, help is available 24/7:
National Crisis Line: 📞 988 (call or text)
Alaska Careline (Statewide): 📞 1-877-266-HELP (4357)
The midnight sun is beautiful—but so is taking care of your mind. Let’s normalize both. 🌞🧠
Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (CARE)
*This article was written with the support of AI*
