(Tulsa World: Opinion) It’s more than a Drink: Planning Summer Get Togethers for Everyone
By Trica Walters, Chief Experience Officer, GRAND Mental Health (Read Trica’s bio)
(Read or share the editorial at TulsaWorld.com) Caring for our mental well-being often begins with something simple: connection. Backyard barbecues, lake weekends, holiday cookouts and family reunions help us reconnect with family and friends. In a season built around togetherness, laughter and shared memories, we should also consider how to make those moments more welcoming and inclusive for everyone at the table.
For many, summer celebrations come with an unspoken expectation to drink alcohol. It is woven into advertisements, social traditions and even casual conversation. Yet not everyone drinks, and not everyone wants to explain why. Some people are recovering. Some are prioritizing their mental and physical health. Others may be navigating medication interactions, grief, pregnancy, religious beliefs or personal wellness goals. And many simply do not enjoy alcohol.
Creating space for people to gather without pressure to drink is not about removing fun from celebrations. It is about removing discomfort.
Mental health thrives in environments where people feel accepted as they are. When hosts thoughtfully provide non-alcoholic options and avoid making alcohol the centerpiece of every gathering, they send an important message: your presence matters more than what is in your cup.
This shift does not require dramatic changes. It can be as simple as offering sparkling water, lemonade, iced teas or alcohol-free beverages alongside traditional options, and avoiding jokes or questions like “Why aren’t you drinking?” or “Come on, just have one.” Those comments may seem harmless but can create anxiety, isolation or shame.
Summer gatherings should bring people together, not create social pressure. That includes being thoughtful about the venue you choose for your event. More restaurants are expanding their beverage menus to include trendy, flavorful zero-proof options that go far beyond the standard cranberry juice or Shirley Temple.
Mandy Lauck, General Manager of 3 Sirens Restaurant Group, understands personally why those options matter.
“In the early days of sobriety, it was both important and difficult to find places where I could safely order something fun to drink that wasn’t just pineapple juice and soda water while my friends enjoyed cocktails,” said Lauck. “There weren’t many options. Maintaining some sense of normalcy while learning to navigate the world clearheaded was incredibly important to me.”
She says the impact of inclusive drink menus goes beyond trends.
“At the end of the day, everyone deserves to feel welcome at the table, regardless of what’s in their glass. Not everyone has to walk the path I have chosen, but having those choices in the early days meant everything to me.”
While alcohol is often marketed as a stress reliever or social lubricant, it can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, disrupt sleep, increase emotional reactivity and contribute to feelings of loneliness or burnout. For some, reducing alcohol consumption is part of creating healthier routines and improving emotional well-being.
At the same time, social connection itself is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health. Time with friends, family and community can reduce stress, strengthen resilience and remind people they’re supported. The real value of summer gatherings is not the drinks being served, it’s the conversations on the patio, the laughter around the grill, the stories shared across generations and the sense of belonging that comes from simply being together.
It’s moments like these that remind us supporting emotional wellness isn’t just a moment — it’s an ongoing commitment to ourselves, our families, our workplaces and our communities. As we move into summer, let’s continue making mental health and well-being a priority by creating space for connection, rest, joy and meaningful support.