Struggling with Anxiety in the Summer? You’re Not Alone

Many New Yorkers experience anxiety during the summer. Learn why seasonal anxiety spikes in the city heat—and how to manage it with tips from a local NYC psychiatrist.

As a psychiatrist practicing in New York City, I’ve noticed something many of my patients have in common: summer doesn’t always feel relaxing. In fact, for a lot of people, it’s the exact opposite. Even though the sun is shining and the parks are packed, anxiety quietly creeps in for some. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. I see many New Yorkers who experience increased anxiety during the summer months, and it’s more common than most people realize.

Let’s talk about why summer can be especially tough in NYC—and what you can do to feel more grounded during this time of year.

Why Does Summer Spike Anxiety in NYC?

New York is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, but it can also be one of the most overstimulating—especially in the summer. Between the heat, noise, crowds, and constant pressure to “make the most” of the season, it’s no wonder many of us feel more anxious.

Here are a few summer-specific triggers I often see in my practice:

🔹 The Heat (and the Humidity)

Let’s be real—NYC summers are brutally hot. Add in packed subway platforms, sweltering apartments, and the concrete jungle effect, and you’ve got a perfect storm for irritability and physical discomfort. That physical stress often shows up as anxiety: racing heart, restlessness, or feeling trapped.

🔹 Social Pressure to “Enjoy Every Minute”

From rooftop parties to weekend getaways, there’s a subtle pressure in NYC to always be doing something in the summer. But for those dealing with anxiety or burnout, that pressure can feel overwhelming and exhausting.

🔹 Changes in Routine

School’s out, coworkers are on vacation, and your regular schedule might be totally off. For many people—especially those managing anxiety—routine is what keeps them stable. When that routine disappears, anxiety often rushes in to fill the void.

🔹 Body Image and Public Spaces

Between the crowded beaches, tank tops, and body-conscious culture, summer can magnify insecurities. Many of my patients describe heightened body image anxiety, especially in social or dating settings.

Signs of Summer Anxiety

Sometimes anxiety feels different in the summer. You might notice:

Feeling more on edge or irritable than usual
Avoiding social events even though you feel like you “should” go
Trouble sleeping, especially on hot nights
Increased worry about plans, your body, or being outside
Feeling exhausted, but wired at the same time

If these patterns sound familiar, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not weak. You’re human, and you’re navigating a city that rarely stops moving.

So—What Can You Do?

The good news? Summer anxiety is manageable. Here are a few strategies I often recommend to my patients here in NYC:

🌿 Create Mini Routines

Even if your larger schedule is off, try anchoring your day with just two or three consistent habits—a morning coffee walk, a midday meditation, or a regular bedtime wind-down yoga session. Little routines create a sense of safety for the brain.

🧊 Cool Your Body to Calm Your Mind

Heat can mimic anxiety symptoms, so staying physically cool helps. Carry water, take cold showers, and seek shade whenever possible. Even small shifts make a big impact.

🚫 You Don’t Have to Say Yes to Every Invite

Give yourself permission to decline plans that don’t feel restorative. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you need to be “on” all the time.

🧘 Gentle Movement in Quiet Spaces

Yoga in the park, early morning walks along the Hudson, or even stretching at home can help burn off nervous energy without overstimulating you. Movement calms the nervous system—especially when it’s done with intention.

🧠 Talk to Someone Who Gets It

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say: “This isn’t just a phase—I could use support.” Therapy or medication (or a combination of both) can help you feel more grounded and more like yourself, no matter the season.

A Final Thought from Me to You

If summer makes you anxious, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you—it means you're tuned in. Living in NYC means juggling intensity, beauty, chaos, and pressure all at once. Your nervous system might just be asking for a little more care right now.

You deserve to feel safe and steady in your body—not just when the leaves fall, but when the sun is high, too.