SR0493 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0493 LRB100 12626 MST 25952 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Around 160,000 babies are born in the State of Illinois each year and maternal health and, more specifically, the mental health of women before, during, and after pregnancy is an issue of great concern to women and their families and is, therefore, of interest to the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Between 10 and 20% of new and expectant mothers are affected by perinatal depression and related mood disorders such as anxiety and psychosis, and they may experience associated symptoms, which are often overlooked and heavily stigmatized because new and expectant mothers suffering from a perinatal mood disorder often feel confused, ashamed, and isolated; and

WHEREAS, Many at-risk women may not seek help because they are not informed about perinatal depression and related mood disorders as part of their health care, because there is a lack of knowledge and use of screening and assessment tools, and because they are unaware of treatment and community supportive services for perinatal depression and related mood disorders; and

WHEREAS, Heightened awareness and increased education among all residents in the State of Illinois regarding the incidence of perinatal depression is critical; perinatal depression and related mood disorders affect all categories of women and teenage girls regardless of their age, race, or income level; perinatal depression can have a profound impact on the family and significantly contributes to adverse developmental and behavioral outcomes and attachment disorders in the young children of affected women; perinatal depression is highly treatable with therapeutic intervention such as medication, professional therapy and counseling, support groups, and community support services including crisis hotlines; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May of 2017 and 2018 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the State of Illinois will encourage collaboration with State and national coalitions, organizations or agencies that are informed about and devoted to maternal mental health to facilitate increased awareness and education about perinatal depression and related mood disorders throughout the State, to explore and encourage the use of prenatal screening tools, and to improve the availability and access to effective treatment, prevention and support services for the promotion of maternal and infant mental health whenever possible in the State of Illinois.