May 2023: Mental Health Awareness Month
A recent study showed that over 80% of construction workers have experienced a mental health challenge. Rates of suicide (a risk of mental illness) have also increased significantly in recent years. Whether your symptoms are mild (such as feeling down or having trouble sleeping), or more severe (such as struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of your mood); your mental health matters, and you deserve healing and relief.
During the month of May, BAC MAP joins the movement across the United States and Canada to honor the courage of individuals who are living with acute or chronic mental illness; and to raise awareness around mental health more broadly. You are not alone; hope is here. Treatment works, and recovery is possible.
Together, we unite to fight stigma; normalize conversations surrounding psychological distress; and provide shame-free support to those in need. MAP is committed to helping our brothers and sisters receive the care they deserve in order to live a happier, more fulfilling and peaceful life. BAC members and their loved ones who would like to further discuss any aspect of mental health (such as maintenance), mental illness (such as symptoms), or to obtain help/discuss paths forward, please call 1-833-MAP-TALK.
For additional information, you may also visit the following links:
- Click Here to Complete a Mental Health Screening
- Mental Health Awareness Month | SAMHSA
- Mental Health Month Awareness Month | NAMI
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 support from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
June 2023: Men's Health Month
BAC MAP is proud to join the United States and Canada in recognizing June as Men's Health Month. Given that over 90% of workers in the construction industry are male, and that most construction-related health issues can be addressed with worker education and safer practices; it's imperative for us to spotlight matters pertaining to this topic.
Relevant Facts and Figures:
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Several health risk behaviors are more prevalent among construction workers than among the general workforce (including smoking, smokeless tobacco use, binge drinking, no leisure-time physical activity, and inconsistent seat belt use). Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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More than half of men do not get regular health screenings/do not engage in preventive care. Cleveland Clinic
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Men are more likely than women to drink excessively, and have higher rates of alcohol related hospitalizations than women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, and have higher rates of illicit drug related hospitalizations and overdose deaths than women. National Institute on Drug Abuse
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Men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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Men with mental illness are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women. National Institute of Mental Health
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Nearly 1 in 10 men experience some form of depression or anxiety, but less than half seek treatment. Anxiety and Depression Association of America
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Men have higher mortality and morbidity rates of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and cancer. World Journal of Men's Health
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Loneliness - a risk factor of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, addiction, suicidality, and self-harm - appears to be more common in men than women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What to Do Now:
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Address stigma and avoidance behaviors (as studies show they are related to masculine norms that have been associated with the underutilization of health care services by males, including mental health and substance use treatment services). American Journal of Men's Health
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Recognize signs and symptoms through health, mental health, and substance use screenings; especially considering some of the leading causes of death and chronic health issues amongst males have preventable common risk factors (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, hypertension, and high-risk behaviors). World Journal of Men's Health
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Choose a primary care doctor if you do not already have one.
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Get regular checkups and engage in preventive care.
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Manage chronic pain (including pain related to muskuloskeletal disorders) with a medical professional, and discuss non-opioid pain management alternatives as indicated. Center for Construction Research and Training
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Know that help is available. Call MAP for mental health and substance use related matters at 1-833-MAP-TALK. If you are experiencing a life-threatening crisis, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
For additional information and resources, please visit the following links:
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Men's Health Month (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
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Men's Mental Health (Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 support from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
DISCLAIMER: This webpage does not provide medical advice and is not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. The content on this website is for general educational and informational purposes. Always seek the advice of a medical professional regarding any condition, diagnosis, or treatment.