HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 48

RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2022 AS SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER AWARENESS MONTH.

WHEREAS, Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is recognized by the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a major depressive disorder; and

WHEREAS, SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter; and

WHEREAS, about 5% of American adults or about 17 million Americans experience full-blown SAD and another 10% to 20% of American adults experience a milder version of SAD; and

WHEREAS, the onset of SAD is often a serious blow to people just starting their adults lives, since its onset almost always occurs between ages 18 and 30, usually when individuals are in their early 20s; and

WHEREAS, people with SAD experience serious and even debilitating symptoms like depression; l oss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed; changes in appetite including intense cravings for carbohydrates and sugar, often leading to weight gain; changes in sleep patterns (usually sleeping too much); loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours; anxiety; difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions (known as “fuzzy brain”); irritability; becoming overly emotional or experiencing little emotion; slowed movements or speech; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; and thoughts of death or suicide; and

WHEREAS, for most SAD sufferers, these symptoms last about 40% of the year; and

WHEREAS, SAD is largely unknown, misunderstood, or dismissed as simply “the winter blues” experienced by many non-SAD sufferers; and

WHEREAS, women are about four times more likely than men to be diagnosed with SAD; and

WHEREAS, the stigma and shame associated with SAD, and its frequent dismissal by society as a serious mental health issue, often prevents SAD sufferers from seeking help and treatment.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of the 151 ^st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the State of Delaware acknowledges the month of February 2022 as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution declares the month of February 2022 as Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month.