Episode 343: On Loneliness in the Summer: When Everyone Else Seems Fine

This week on DCO Discourse, host Christina Droumtsekas is joined by Caitlin Plant to talk about the hidden emotional weight of summer. From FOMO and disrupted routines to grief triggers and social media comparison, we’re holding space for the parts of summer no one talks about. Summer is often portrayed as a season of joy, sunshine, and connection—but for many, it can be a time of stress, pressure, and unexpected loneliness. We also explore what summer looks like for parents—especially single parents—who are working and juggling the pressure to create memorable experiences for their kids while holding everything together. We are here to remind listeners: your summer doesn’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful. If summer has ever left you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or out of sync—you’re not alone. Tune in for a gentle, honest conversation about permission, presence, and self-care. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8." References: Bonjour-santé article: Bonjour-santé. (n.d.). Summer performance syndrome: Stop the pressure to have a perfect summer. https://bonjour-sante.ca/blogue/articles-en/summer-performance-syndrome-stop-the- pressure-to-have-a-perfect-summer.html WellNest article by Zainib Abdullah: Abdullah, Z. (2021, August 5). Summer-time sadness is real. WellNest. https://blog.well-nest.ca/2021/08/05/summer-time-sadness-is-real/ Psychology Today article: LaRocque, J. (2024, July 2). Alleviate summer pressure and enjoy the season your way. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/everyday-resilience/202407/alleviate-summer-pressure-and-enjoy-the-season-your-way