PRINTER'S NO. 1589
No. 261 Session of 2004
INTRODUCED BY ORIE, KITCHEN, FERLO, WAGNER, KUKOVICH,
TARTAGLIONE, BOSCOLA, CORMAN, ERICKSON, STOUT, COSTA,
KASUNIC, O'PAKE, LOGAN AND SCHWARTZ, MAY 3, 2004
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MAY 3, 2004
A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing May 4, 2004, as "Childhood Depression Awareness Day"
2 in Pennsylvania.
3 WHEREAS, Depression affects as many as one in every 33
4 children and 1 in 8 adolescents, but fewer than a third receive
5 appropriate care; and
6 WHEREAS, By failing to provide services for children with
7 mental health problems, we jeopardize their social and academic
8 development and put them at risk for more serious problems later
9 in life; and
10 WHEREAS, Consequences of untreated depression include social
11 isolation, difficulties at home and school and an increased risk
12 of suicide; and
13 WHEREAS, The symptoms of depression may look different in
14 youths than in adults and, as a result, are often overlooked or
15 misunderstood; and
16 WHEREAS, Warning signs of depression in a child or adolescent
17 include sad, hopeless or irritable feelings, falling behind in
1 school or earning lower grades, losing interest in friends or
2 activities usually enjoyed, avoiding people or wanting to be
3 alone all of the time, talking about suicide or death, hurting
4 other people or animals, damaging property and experiencing
5 major changes in eating or sleeping habits; and
6 WHEREAS, Once a child experiences an episode of depression,
7 he or she is at risk of having another episode within the next
8 five years; and
9 WHEREAS, Promoting mental health awareness and knowing the
10 warning signs of mental health problems are essential to
11 improving and saving young people who may be at risk for
12 depression and other mental illnesses; and
13 WHEREAS, "Childhood Depression Awareness Day" was established
14 in 1997 by a mother whose child had depression; and
15 WHEREAS, On May 4, 2004, thousands of children, families,
16 physicians and advocates will be working in communities
17 nationwide to get the word out that childhood depression is
18 real, common and treatable; therefore be it
19 RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize May 4, 2004, as
20 "Childhood Depression Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
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