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. SPONSOR: Sen. Hocker & Rep. Briggs King & Rep. Dorsey Walker Sens. Buckson, Hansen, Huxtable, Lockman, Pettyjohn, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Hensley, Morrison, Parker Selby, Michael Smith SPONSOR: Sen. Hocker & Rep. Briggs King & Rep. Dorsey Walker Sens. Buckson, Hansen, Huxtable, Lockman, Pettyjohn, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Hensley, Morrison, Parker Selby, Michael Smith 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 ones 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. 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 ones 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. SYNOPSIS This Senate Concurrent Resolution proclaims the month of October 2023 as Depression Awareness Month in the State of Delaware. Author: Senator Hocker SYNOPSIS This Senate Concurrent Resolution proclaims the month of October 2023 as Depression Awareness Month in the State of Delaware. Author: Senator Hocker