H.R. No. 748 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to promote better understanding of issues regarding mental health and to foster support for individuals who are affected by mental illness; and WHEREAS, Mental illness encompasses a range of health conditions that influence a person's thoughts, feelings, behavior, and mood; these conditions include depression, psychosis, and various disorders, all of which have the potential to profoundly impact an individual's life and relationships; research suggests that mental illness is associated with multiple causes, including genetics, environmental factors, exposure to traumatic events, and biochemical processes; and WHEREAS, According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 50 million U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2019, while recent annual statistics on children and adolescents indicate that more than 7 million experienced a mental health disorder; although early treatment can significantly improve wellness and recovery outcomes, many people do not seek out the help they need due to the stigma associated with mental illness, as well as an inability to recognize symptoms and a lack of knowledge about health care resources; depending on each patient's unique experience, treatment may include medication, therapy, social support, and educational programs; and WHEREAS, More work remains to be done to fight the stigma surrounding mental illness and to highlight the importance of treatment, and the observance of Mental Health Awareness Month unites Texans in their commitment to these efforts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby recognize May 2021 as Mental Health Awareness Month and encourage all residents of the Lone Star State to learn more about mental health issues. Thompson of Harris ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 748 was adopted by the House on April 30, 2021, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House