Bill Text: DE SCR209 | 2025-2026 | 153rd General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Proclaiming October 2026 As "depression Awareness Month" In The State Of Delaware.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Engrossed) 2026-06-17 - Passed In House by Voice Vote [SCR209 Detail]
Download: Delaware-2025-SCR209-Draft.html
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SPONSOR: |
Sen. Hocker & Rep. Jones Giltner |
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Sens. Buckson, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Richardson, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Bush, Carson, K. Johnson, Morrison |
DELAWARE STATE SENATE
153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 209
PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 2026 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 other depressive conditions; and
WHEREAS, major depression can result in severe impairments that interfere with or limit one’s ability to carry out major life activities, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or self-worth; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 23% of adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2024; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode is highest among individuals aged 18-29 and is highest among those who report having multiple (two or more) races; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 3.8 million children and adolescents, aged 12 to 17 in the United States, had at least one major depressive episode in 2024; and
WHEREAS, depression is not caused by personal weakness and is not a character defect or flaw; and
WHEREAS, even the most severe forms of depression can be effectively treated, and early treatment greatly improves outcomes; and
WHEREAS, it is important that Delawareans understand depression, its signs and symptoms, and the importance of seeking help without fear of judgment; and
WHEREAS, to accomplish this, we must strip away the stigma of mental health and acknowledge it as a medical condition that affects millions of people, including thousands of Delaware residents.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that October 2026 is hereby proclaimed “Depression Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.
SYNOPSIS
This Senate Concurrent Resolution proclaims October 2026 as “Depression Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.
Author: Senator Hocker
