Mindcare Fortmac

How TSIP Helped Me Understand My Own Mental Health (And Maybe It’ll Help You Too)

Let’s set the scene.

The sun is setting. Cousins Beach is golden. Taylor Swift is playing softly in the background. Belly’s wearing something effortlessly cute (even though I’d look like a crumpled napkin in the same outfit), and Conrad is standing 10 feet away acting like he invented brooding. Jeremiah’s laughing with a group of friends, but he keeps glancing over at her.

Now pause.
Take all the vibes, the romance, the awkwardness, and the why-is-my-heart-doing-backflips energy… and suddenly, it’s not just a show anymore. It’s a mirror—for our messiest thoughts, our overthinking spirals, and those moments where everything feels like too much.

🎢 Mental Health, But Make It Romantic Chaos

So here’s the thing. I didn’t expect The Summer I Turned Pretty to connect to my mental health. I went in for the love triangle (Conrad vs. Jeremiah will forever divide the nation), the beachy aesthetic, and the drama. But somewhere along the way, I realized:

Belly isn’t just choosing between two boys. She’s choosing who she’s becoming.

And let me tell you, watching someone try to figure themselves out under the pressure of expectations, first love, grief, and social anxiety? That hit way harder than I expected.

💔 Conrad Fisher: Emotional Shutdown King

Let’s start with Conrad, our tall, moody heartthrob who communicates mostly through sighing and walking away. It’s easy to call him distant or cold. But as someone who’s been the emotionally unavailable one (hi, it’s me), I saw something deeper.

Conrad is grieving. He’s overwhelmed. He’s scared of being vulnerable. And instead of talking about it, he retreats. That’s not just “boy drama”—that’s emotional suppression 101.

Conrad reminds us that:

• Sometimes mental health struggles don’t look like crying—they look like avoidance.
• People who push you away might be hurting the most.
• And the “strong, silent” type? Yeah, he probably needs therapy and a weighted blanket.

☀️ Jeremiah Fisher: Golden Retriever With Hidden Burnout

Jeremiah is sunshine personified, but I think we underestimate how hard it is to always be the happy one. The pressure to keep everyone smiling? To be the “fun” guy when your world is falling apart?

Burnout isn’t always academic or professional—it can be emotional too.

Jeremiah teaches us that:

• “I’m fine” is sometimes the biggest lie.
• Being the life of the party doesn’t mean you’re okay.
• It’s okay to not be okay, even if you’re the one everyone else leans on.

(Also, justice for Jer. That boy deserves a break and like… ten naps.)

🌸 Belly Conklin: Main Character of Emotional Growth

Now Belly. Sweet, confused, feels-too-much Belly.

She’s awkward. She makes messy decisions. She lets her heart lead even when her brain is waving red flags. But that’s exactly what makes her real. She’s trying to grow into herself in a world that keeps telling her who she should be.

She teaches us:

• Change is uncomfortable, but necessary.
• Loving yourself means accepting the cringe parts too.
• You don’t need to have everything figured out at 16—or even at 26.

Sometimes, watching Belly cry on the beach while a boy stares wistfully at the ocean felt like a live-action version of my own spiral. And somehow… that made me feel less alone.

🧠 Okay But… What Does This Have to Do With Mental Health?

Here’s the tea:
We all have our “Cousins Beach moments.” They may not include epic summer flings (sadly), but they do include:

• Feeling out of place in your own skin
• Comparing yourself to others
• Thinking you’re too much, or not enough
• Hiding behind jokes (hi, Jeremiah)
• Shutting people out when you’re hurting (hi, Conrad)
• Trying to make everyone happy while losing sight of your own peace (hi, literally everyone)

TSIP isn’t just about romance. It’s about emotional survival. About how messy and nonlinear self-growth is. And about how it’s okay to break down in the middle of a perfect summer if that’s what healing looks like for you.

💬 So… How Can You TSIP Your Way Through Mental Health?

Here are some things I’ve learned (from the show, and life, and therapy):

🌻 You’re allowed to feel everything. Even the “ugly” emotions—jealousy, anger, sadness. They’re signals, not flaws.
🌻 Boundaries are hot. Whether it’s between you and your family, your crush, or your intrusive thoughts.
🌻 You are not a burden. You’re a whole human. And asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
🌻 Growth isn’t linear. One minute you’re having a heart-to-heart. The next you’re crying to Phoebe Bridgers. That’s called ✨balance✨.

🏖️ Final Thoughts From Your Couch Therapist

If you’re in a season of chaos, or change, or overthinking—congrats. You’re the main character.

Your story isn’t supposed to be perfect. But it is yours. And like Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, you’re allowed to be lost, lovable, complicated, and still worthy of peace.

Take care of your heart. Take care of your mind. And remember:
Your summer story isn’t over yet. 🌊

Until next spiral,
— MindCare FortMac Team💛