SR468 - Recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 468          WHEREAS, Mental health is essential to the overall health   and well-being of every individual, and the observance of   National Mental Health Awareness Month in May provides an   opportunity to highlight the need for greater empathy and support   for Texans experiencing mental health issues; and          WHEREAS, According to the National Alliance on Mental   Illness, approximately one in every five Americans, including   more than 4.7 million adults in Texas, lives with a mental   illness; these conditions affect people of all ages, races,   ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and though they are   common and treatable, the stigma associated with them can be an   obstacle to treatment, recovery, and social acceptance; and          WHEREAS, Cost is another hurdle to receiving effective   treatment, and over one million Texans report being unable to   access the care that they need for a serious mental illness; in   addition, there is a significant demand for crisis support in   Texas, as evidenced by the more than 177,000 calls made to   suicide and crisis line call centers in 2023, underscoring the   need for sustained investment in accessible mental health   services; and          WHEREAS, Mental illnesses often begin early in life, with   around half of cases developing by age 14; every year, close to   half a million adolescents in Texas experience a major depressive   episode, and more than 300,000 have thoughts of suicide; over   18 percent of youth in our state have endured multiple adverse   childhood experiences, which increase the risk of mental   illnesses and substance use disorders in adulthood; despite the   urgent need for mental health care among young people, the   average public school in Texas provides just one school   psychologist for every 2,300 students, a ratio that falls short   of the recommendation of one per 500 students; and          WHEREAS, Promoting awareness and understanding of mental   health needs can help ensure that individuals receive the support   and treatment necessary to lead healthy, productive lives; for   our mental health care system to be effective, it must emphasize   early intervention, prevention, education, and access to quality   behavioral health services; and          WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a means of   educating the public about this critical issue and celebrating   the progress made by those living with mental health conditions,   and it is fitting to acknowledge the vital work being done by   community organizations, peer advocates, families,   professionals, and policymakers across the state to advance   these worthy goals; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby recognize May 2025 as Mental Health   Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to join in supporting   mental health services, education, and outreach in their   communities.     Sparks                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on May 1, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate