SJR56

A Joint Resolution permanently designating May as “Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Awareness Month” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Mental health is an essential part of a person’s overall health and ability to thrive in their community; and

Whereas, Emotional and behavioral disorders are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning; and

Whereas, Just as ailments of other organs of the body, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life; and

Whereas, Emotional disturbances can affect people beyond their immediate emotional states, sometimes creating long-term mental health challenges that can affect physical, social, or cognitive skills; and

Whereas, Some characteristics commonly seen in children who have an emotional disturbance include hyperactivity, aggression, self-injurious behavior, social withdrawal, immaturity, and learning difficulties; and

Whereas, Children are, in many ways, more vulnerable than adults to mental illness, and children with mental illness have a far greater likelihood of being suspended from school, abusing drugs or alcohol, or ending up in the juvenile justice system; and

Whereas, Many people with emotional and behavioral disorders do not receive treatment for their illnesses, due to poor understanding of mental illness and treatment options, stigma, or lack of access to treatment; and

Whereas, Enhanced awareness of emotional and behavioral disorders can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and help improve access to treatment that can help people lead full and productive lives; and

Whereas, The first week of May is recognized as National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to promote positive development of children’s mental health; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey can support the efforts of national and local groups advocating for emotional and behavioral health by annually honoring “Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Awareness Month”; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of May of each year is designated as "Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey in order to foster public awareness and understanding of emotional and behavioral disorders.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe "Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates the month of May of each year as “Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Awareness Month” in New Jersey to raise public awareness of emotional and behavioral disorders.

Emotional and behavioral disorders are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Emotional disturbances can affect people beyond their immediate emotional states, sometimes creating long-term mental health challenges that can affect physical, social, or cognitive skills. Children are, in many ways, more vulnerable than adults to mental illness, and children with mental illness have a far greater likelihood of being suspended from school, abusing drugs or alcohol, or ending up in the juvenile justice system.

The joint resolution intends to promote awareness in hopes of improving the lives of people who have emotional and behavioral disorders.