(105 ILCS 155/1-5)

Sec. 1-5. Findings. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Depression is the most common mental health disorder among American teens and adults, with over 2,800,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 experiencing at least one major depressive episode each year, approximately 10-15% of teenagers exhibiting at least one symptom of depression at any time, and roughly 5% of teenagers suffering from major depression at any time. Teenage depression is 2 to 3 times more common in females than in males.

(2) Various biological, psychological, and environmental risk factors may contribute to teenage depression, which can lead to substance and alcohol abuse, social isolation, poor academic and workplace performance, unnecessary risk taking, early pregnancy, and suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. Approximately 20% of teens with depression seriously consider suicide, and one in 12 attempt suicide. Untreated teenage depression can also result in adverse consequences throughout adulthood.

(3) Most teens who experience depression suffer from more than one episode. It is estimated that, although teenage depression is highly treatable through combinations of therapy, individual and group counseling, and certain medications, fewer than one-third of teenagers experiencing depression seek help or treatment.

(4) The proper detection and diagnosis of mental health conditions, including depression, is a key element in reducing the risk of teenage suicide and improving physical and mental health outcomes for young people. It is therefore fitting and appropriate to establish school-based mental health screenings to help identify the symptoms of mental health conditions and facilitate access to appropriate treatment.

(Source: P.A. 102-1037, eff. 6-2-22.)