Legislation Document

SPONSOR:	Sen. Hocker & Rep. Briggs King & Rep. Dorsey Walker
Sens. Buckson, Hansen, Huxtable, Lockman, Pettyjohn, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Hensley, Morrison, Parker Selby, Michael Smith

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 87

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2023 AS "DEPRESSION AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, major depression is one of the most common mental health problems in the United States; and

WHEREAS, there are many forms of depression such as persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder and others; and

WHEREAS, major depression can result in severe impairments that interfere or limit one’s ability to carry out major life activities, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or self-worth; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2020; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%); and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of major depressive episode was highest among those who report having multiple

(two or more) races (15.9%); and

WHEREAS, an estimated 4.1 million children and adolescents, aged 12 to 17 in the United States, had at least one major depressive episode in 2020; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of major depressive episode was highest among adolescents reporting two or more races (29.9%); and

WHEREAS, depression is not caused by personal weakness and is not a character defect or sign of weakness; and

WHEREAS, depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is; and

WHEREAS, it is prudent that Delawareans have an understanding of depression; and

WHEREAS, to accomplish this we must strip away the stigma of mental health and acknowledge it as a medical condition that affects millions.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the month of October 2023 is recognized as “Depression Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature encourages expanded efforts to keep Delaware residents properly informed about depression awareness.