Festival FOMO: Stay Safe, Stay Present

By Dianna Lopez, Mental Health Counseling Intern
Dianna earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Business from UCSD, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at USD. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about spreading awareness of mental health services as a necessary resource for all individuals, along with breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy, especially in minority cultures. In her counseling sessions, Dianna focuses on creating a welcoming environment where anyone can come in and feel heard, and uses cognitive behavioral interventions to build a collaborative space and work to shift unhelpful thoughts.

Summertime calls for fun times in the sun. Sometimes, the fear of missing out (FOMO) can make it difficult to say no to substances or activities that don’t align with your comfort level. Large crowds can bring on social anxiety, sensory overload, or pressure to fit in. It is okay to take a break, leave early, or skip something if it doesn’t feel right. Oftentimes, people will use alcohol or drugs because they want to fit in, want to feel more social, or don’t want to be the only one saying no. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you find that any of the above applies to you. 


  • If you are going independently then ensure that you are aware of everything that you are consuming. It may be tempting to accept what someone says is a recreational drug or an alcoholic beverage, but it could contain something entirely different than what you intended to consume. If you are going with a friend or a group of people, then come up with meetup spots and times. The buddy system that we learned in elementary school still works very well when it comes to crowded events. 


  • Most large festivals have medical tents or medical personnel on site. Stop by the tent as one of your first activities to view what services they offer. Ask whether naloxone (Narcan) is available. Many events offer brief demonstrations on how to use it and may even provide it free of charge. 


  • While soaking up the sun is part of the fun, dehydration can quickly become dangerous. Locate a hydration station and drink water regularly, whether or not you choose to consume alcohol or other substances. If you choose to drink, pace yourself, and avoid mixing alcohol with other substances, as combining substances can increase the risk of harmful effects. 


Remember that you never need to explain or justify choosing not to drink or use substances. Whether you decide to drink, abstain, or simply enjoy the music, making informed decisions before the event can reduce risks and help you focus on having fun. The best festival memories come from being present, looking out for one another, and making choices that allow you to get home safely. Whether you’re dancing in the crowd or taking a quiet moment to recharge, remember that your well-being comes first. 


Student Health Services at MiraCosta offers a variety of resources for students. If you’d like more information and resources, call 760-795-6675, email mccshs@miracosta.edu or stop by Health Services at OC 14114 or SAN 917 to get more information, pick up and learn to use your own Narcan, and, if you wish, sign up for the mental health services that are available for enrolled summer school students. Have fun and be safe! 


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