Why should children continue treatment during summer break?

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect 32% of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18. Research shows that left untreated, youth with anxiety tend to perform poorly in school, isolate from family and friends, withdraw from activities, and are at higher risk for substance use.

While anxiety and other mental health challenges may be a battle during the school year, parents and caregivers can think mental health challenges will ease with the slower pace of the summer months.

Rogers’ Marty Franklin, PhD, executive clinical director of OCD and Anxiety services, explains why it’s important to continue treatment in the summer.

“Summer comes and things get easier, and parents breathe a sigh of relief thinking things are better,” explains Dr Franklin. “Things might be better, but it’s because circumstances have changed.”