June 2026
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Supporting Mental Health This Summer
Make Mental Health a Priority
Summer brings a change of pace. Schedules become more flexible, families take vacations, and people spend more time outdoors. It can be relaxing. But the season can also bring stress, loneliness, or disruptions to daily routines. Taking care of your mental health is just as important during the summer as it is the rest of the year. A few simple habits can help people of all ages enjoy a healthier summer.
Keep a Routine
Summer schedules often look different. Maintaining regular sleep, meals, and daily habits can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Get Moving
Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your mood. Take a walk, visit a local park, ride a bike, garden, or find another activity you enjoy.
Take a Break from Screens
Make time to unplug. Read a book, enjoy a hobby, spend time outside, or simply relax without notifications competing for your attention.
Check In with Your Kids
Ask your child how they are doing and make time to really listen. Open conversations help children feel supported as they share their thoughts and feelings.
Connect with Your Community
Summer is a great time to spend time in your community. Attend a concert, explore a park, join a library program, or stop by a farmer's market. Spending time with your community and connecting with others can reduce stress and improve your mood.
Here are a few local summer programs and other opportunities to keep you and your family engaged this summer!
Youth Activities
SAFY Youth Drop-In Center (Lima)
A free space for ages 12-17 with activities in the summer. Walk in; no assessment needed! Open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
658 W. Market Street, Suite 112 (beside the library)
Family Resource Center Adventure Therapy (Lima)
For ages 6-11 in all counties. Outdoor activities that help children build confidence, coping skills, and healthy relationships. Email Rachel Converse at rachel.converse@frcohio.org.
Hardin Family YMCA Summer Day Camp (Kenton)
For ages 5-12. A fun and active environment with opportunities for recreation and learning. Financial assistance is available for eligible families. Contact Katie Lee at 419-673-6131 or hardincoymca.net/ymca-summer-day-camp.
Family Activities
Libraries Across the Region
Public libraries throughout Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties offer summer reading challenges, story times, and family activities. Visit your library this summer!
Bradfield Community Center (Lima)
Offers activities for all ages and community activities. Families can participate in Open Gym, Drum Fun Cardio, Pickleball, and the Boys & Girls Club Summer Program for grades K-12.
550 S Collett St, Lima
Heritage Trails Park District (Auglaize County)
This park district has nature trails and summer programs for all ages, including a half-mile accessibility boardwalk in St. Marys. Visit one of the district's preserves, explore the Miami & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, or attend a guided nature program. Find locations and hours at htparks.org.
Summer Entertainment
Curtain Call Summer Concert Series (Lima)
Enjoy free live music every Wednesday through August at the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center. Find the performance schedule at limaciviccenter.com.
Southwestern Auglaize County Summer Concert Series (Auglaize County)
Communities throughout southwestern Auglaize County host free outdoor concerts throughout the summer. Find the concert schedule on their Facebook page at SWAC Summer Concert Series.
Drive-In Movie Theaters (Regional)
The Hi-Road Drive-In in Kenton and the nearby Van-Del Drive-In in Middle Point offer an affordable way to enjoy movies outdoors during the summer. Find movie schedules at hiroaddrivein.com or vandeldrivein.com.
Get Help with the HOPEline
There is help. There is hope.
If you are in crisis, call the local HOPEline. It is there for you 24/7. Trained crisis counselors will help. You can call if you are concerned about a loved one or child.
What is a crisis? That can look different for everyone. It could mean you are experiencing overwhelming emotions. You might be experiencing anxiety or depression that is affecting your daily life. You could be grieving. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm are a crisis.
There are people you can speak to who care. Help is always just a call or text away.
Call the HOPEline at 1-800-567-4673 (HOPE).
You can also call or text the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
If it is an emergency, call 911.
If you are looking to connect with community resources, call 211.
Upcoming Events
Wings Support & Recovery Calendars
Wings Support & Recovery has monthly events at both Kenton and Lima locations. Check in with their offices every month for the calendars and special events! The MHRSB will also regularly share those calendars and events on our social media.
Lima Location
529 S Elizabeth St, Lima, OH 45804
419-812-2866
Kenton Location
111 E. Columbus St, Kenton, Ohio 43326
419-767-2220
We Care Conversations
In the latest episode of the MHRSB podcast, Cody and Elisa sit down with Logan Foley (Bath Schools Social Worker), April Neff (Bath Schools Counselor), and Tammie Colon from the Mental Health Board. They unpack the real mental health challenges students are facing today, highlight warning signs parents should know, and share both local and nationwide resources available to families. Packed with practical advice on how parents can get involved and support their children, this conversation offers guidance and hope for raising mentally healthy kids.
Watch Episode 11 on YouTube here. You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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