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May 2026: Mental Health Awareness Month

May 18, 2026: 7pm ET: From the Field: Insights from a Jobsite Mental Health Trailer 
_{This event has already passed. Register for the BAC MAP's Mental Health Awareness Month webinar on May 18, 2026 at 7pm ET. Hear from a clinician who provides services right on the jobsite to better understand the wellbeing needs of construction workers, and to find encouragement in taking the next step in accessing support.} 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the BAC is here to support members who may need the following message more than ever: it's okay to not be okay.

Construction workers often feel pressure to appear - or be - ironclad. The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) knows this isn't possible 100% of the time. In fact, trying to become immune to mental health challenges often backfires, leading to shame and help-avoidance. This is where we usually see mental health challenges worsen rather than improve. This may also play a role in some of the concerning wellbeing trends that we see among construction workers, including elevated rates of suicide and overdose fatalities. 

When facing hardships, it's important to know that you have not failed, and you are not alone. BAC MAP is a resource that can confidentially help members and their loved ones address their mental health needs, allowing for opportunities to lead happier, more fulfilling, and peaceful lives. To connect with BAC MAP, please call 1-833-MAP-TALK, M-F 8am-7pm ET. 

In addition to connecting with BAC MAP, we encourage members to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month in other ways:

• Take a mental health screening.
• Share your story. If you are at a place where you are ready to share your story, doing so with trusted people can be a powerful way to promote healing - both for you and them. 
• End the stigma. Recognize that stigma and myths/false beliefs around mental health challenges can be extremely harmful. Commit to taking actions that will end stigma, self-shaming, and the shaming of others. 
• Increase knowledge. Learning about mental health challenges, mental wellbeing, what to do in a crisis, and of available resources are some of the most important actions you can take to make a difference. 
• Get involved. Whether you attend the BAC MAP's Mental Health Awareness Month webinar on May 18th at 7pm ET, participate in a community event, join your Local or ADC's on-the-ground efforts to support mental wellbeing, or seek out an alternative way to be connected with others who are championing this cause, engaging is a way to find hope and be a part of the solution. 

For additional information and resources, visit the links below:

• SAMHSA: Mental Health
• Mental Health and Wellness Canada
• NAMI
• Mental Health America
• Many Locals/ADCs are ramping up their efforts to support member mental health. Check to see what programs/resources may be offered locally. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

April 2026: International Alcohol Awareness Month

International Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to evaluate one's relationship with alcohol, and to explore paths forward should there be a call for change. Although each person is different, below are some general warning signs and symptoms that may indicate concerns with alcohol use:

• Physical Responses: Withdrawal from alcohol (such as shakiness, sweating, and palpitations) as well as increased tolerance to alcohol (needing more to achieve the same effect). 
• Urgency: Compulsive need to begin drinking, as well as difficulty stopping (especially in the face of consequences or intentions to stop). 
• Preoccupation: Having trouble focusing on things other than drinking alcohol. 
• Neglectfulness: Neglecting duties and responsibilities as the result of drinking. 
• Harmful/Risky Behaviors: Engaging in behaviors that are threatening to self and/or others as the result of drinking alcohol.

If you are concerned about your alcohol use, complete an online screening by clicking here.

When a pattern of concerning drinking is established, or a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder is given by a licensed professional, intervention is often needed to help bring about a shift. While millions across the U.S. and Canada are negatively impacted by alcohol use, and with construction workers being significantly more likely to experience challenges with alcohol than workers in other professions, life-saving resources are available. 

BAC MAP stands in support of members who may need help for challenges related to alcohol use. If you or a loved one are in need, please contact 1-833-MAP-TALK for confidential help. 

For additional resources related to alcohol misuse and International Alcohol Awareness Month, please visit:

• SAMHSA
• NIAAA
• AA
• SMART Recovery
• Alcohol Use (Canada)
• Alcohol Use in Construction (Canada)

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

April 2026: International Month of Hope

Hopelessness is increasingly recognized as a widespread societal challenge, affecting workplaces and communities, with profound mental health and social implications. 

Hope is a powerful force that serves as a buffer against depression and suicidality. It adds meaning and purpose to one's life and enables individuals and communities to overcome challenges. In fact, strengthening a sense of hope may be one of the most important tools you can carry. 

During April and over International Month of Hope, the BAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) aims to promote the spread of messages of hope as an important part of our mission to support the wellbeing of our members and their loved ones. If you are experiencing hopelessness or would like to connect to discuss related topics, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK for caring, confidential guidance. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

April 2026: International Counseling Awareness Month

Counseling is an evidence-based treatment that has granted life-improving and life-saving help for millions of people across North America and the world. And yet, it's often left untapped as an avenue for care, including by people who may benefit from it the most. 

No matter the motive for seeking help, psychological counseling is an invaluable research-backed engine for health and wellbeing. BAC MAP welcomes International Counseling Awareness Month by hailing the benefits of counseling and encouraging members and their loved ones to seek services if indicated or needed. BAC MAP aims to help individuals overcome stigma related to counseling by recognizing help-seeking as a marker of strength and success, not weakness or failure. 

If you or a loved one needs assistance in accessing counseling services or want to learn more, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK for confidential help. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

March 30, 2026: World Bipolar Day

Bipolar disorder is a condition linked with activity in the brain that results in significant shifts in mood, behaviors, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. If left untreated, impairment can be severe. It's important to understand that bipolar disorder is different than general ups and downs that all people experience. Bipolar disorder is a legitimate medical condition, however it unfortunately remains highly stigmatized. Stigma can prevent a timely diagnosis, which can in turn delay connection to treatment and prolong suffering.  

The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) recognizes World Bipolar Day as a time to increase education and sensitivity to bipolar disorder, while offering support to our members and their loved ones who may be experiencing challenges related to it. 

BAC MAP recommends taking a bipolar disorder symptom screening by clicking here, as well as connecting with MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK (M-F, 8am-7pm ET). To learn more about bipolar disorder, please click here. Visit this link to be connected to a Bipolar Disorder Guide for Family and Friends. You can also find local bipolar disorder support groups by clicking here. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.