HR0026 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0026 LRB097 06346 GRL 46426 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many others, can lead to suicide attempts if left untreated; and

WHEREAS, Mental illness is recognized as a disorder of the mind and body; if left undiagnosed, undertreated, or untreated, mental illness increases the chances of an attempted or successful suicide; and

WHEREAS, Many suicides are derived from depression and other mental disorders, a substance abuse disorder, or a combination of both; and

WHEREAS, The stigma associated with suicide is the result of a lack of understanding of mental illness; and

WHEREAS, The survivors of suicide represent a large group of people who suffer alone and in silence; and

WHEREAS, For every successful suicide, there are an estimated minimum of 6 suicide survivors; and

WHEREAS, Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our support for improved suicide awareness in the State of Illinois in order to educate citizens about mental illness and other disorders that can lead to suicide and successful diagnosis and treatment of the underlying causes of suicide, thereby increasing the numbers of survivors.