[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 659 Introduced in House (IH)]

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114th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 659

 Expressing support for the designation of March 30, 2016, as ``World 
                             Bipolar Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 22, 2016

Mr. Murphy of Pennsylvania (for himself and Mrs. Dingell) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                                Commerce

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                               RESOLUTION


 
 Expressing support for the designation of March 30, 2016, as ``World 
                             Bipolar Day''.

Whereas 2.6 percent of adults in the United States live with bipolar disorder;
Whereas bipolar disorder is the 6th leading cause of disability in the world;
Whereas bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disease that causes shifts in mood, 
        activity, and energy level;
Whereas persons with bipolar disorder may have psychotic symptoms, such as 
        hallucinations or delusions and of those with psychotic symptoms, 40 
        percent experience Anosognosia a neurological impairment which results 
        in ``lack of insight'' into one's condition;
Whereas individuals with bipolar disorder often encounter damaged relationships 
        and poor job or school performance;
Whereas the median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years;
Whereas 51 percent of individuals with bipolar disorder go untreated during any 
        given year;
Whereas 65 percent of individuals on Medicaid with bipolar disorder do not 
        receive a continuous supply of evidence-based treatment;
Whereas bipolar disorder results in a 9.2-year reduction in expected life span;
Whereas 15 percent to 17 percent of people with bipolar disorder take their own 
        lives;
Whereas although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it can be effectively 
        treated and treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of 
        episodes;
Whereas early intervention, proper diagnosis, and treatment help people with 
        bipolar disorder lead healthy and productive lives; and
Whereas, March 30, 2016, would be an appropriate date to designate as ``World 
        Bipolar Day'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``World Bipolar Day'' to 
        raise awareness and erase social stigma associated with bipolar 
        disorder;
            (2) supports improved sensitivity towards those struggling 
        with bipolar disorder;
            (3) supports comprehensive mental health reform; and
            (4) encourages all to draw on ``World Bipolar Day'' as an 
        opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness, ensure 
        access to appropriate services, and support overall quality of 
        life for those living with bipolar disorder.
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