86R2625 BK-D
By: Thierry H.C.R. No. 16
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The annual observance of Mental Health Month in May
serves as an opportunity to bring about greater public
understanding of mental health issues and to promote treatment,
care, and support for those living with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, A mental illness is a medical condition that
disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, interpersonal
relationships, and, in the most serious cases, their ability to
carry out the essential tasks of daily life; and
WHEREAS, Every year, approximately 42.5 million American
adults, comprising slightly over 18 percent of the total adult
population, suffer from some form of mental illness, such as
depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia; in Texas, one in
every five adults will experience a mental health concern at some
point in a given year, and more than 20 percent of children between
the ages of 9 and 17 have a diagnosed mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age,
race, religion, or income and are not the result of personal
weakness or lack of character; many individuals with mental health
disorders experience feelings of alienation from their peers
because of their condition, and there remains a strong stigma
attached to mental illness that can result in discrimination,
including from families, friends, employers, and others; mental
health problems can impact a person's quality of life in numerous
ways, and severe, untreated cases are associated with a higher risk
of suicide; and
WHEREAS, Innovations and advancements in mental health care,
ranging from medications and therapy to various support services,
have helped make recovery a reality for countless people; outcomes
are shown to be greatly improved when patients are engaged and
involved in their own care and when they receive acceptance and
encouragement from loved ones and peers; and
WHEREAS, Increased public awareness, support, and advocacy
are key to improving issues related to mental illness, and all
Texans are encouraged to affirm their commitment to these important
efforts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate May as Mental Health Month; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.