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October 2024: National Depression Awareness Month

Depression (formally called a depressive disorder) is a common mental health condition impacting millions of people each year. Many individuals do not recognize the symptoms or gravity of depression, leading to missed opportunities to get connected to treatment and prolongment of needless or excessive suffering. Depression can create challenges in all areas of life, including at work and at home. Prevalence rates are thought to be elevated amongst construction workers, making education and awareness all the more important. 

Signs and symptoms of depression (which can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe), may include experiencing a loss of pleasure or interest in activities, having trouble concentrating, experiencing a sense of extremely low self-worth, feeling hopeless about the future, disrupted sleeping or eating patterns, and/or feeling excessively tired or low energy. 

Myths about depression include that it is not a real or serious medical condition, and that strong people can snap themselves out of depression or do not experience it at all. None of these are true. Depression is a legitimate, complex illness predisposed by certain biological and environmental factors; and should be understood with the same level of seriousness as other medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. It affects all people, from all walks of life, does not indicate or reflect mental weakness, nor can it be treated by being told or asked to 'be tough.'

During National Depression Awareness Month, we acknowledge the importance of screenings as a key component of early intervention and improved outcomes. National Depression Screening Day takes place on October 10, 2024, and you can take an online depression screening by clicking here.

The IUBAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) is here to support all members and their loved ones who may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Help is available by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK, M-F, 8am-7pm ET. 

To learn more about depression, please visit the following links:

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. 

Recent Bulletins

September 2024: Suicide Prevention Month

 Suicide Prevention

September 2024: Suicide Prevention Month

September 9-13, 2024: Construction Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and Canada, and workers in the construction industry are impacted at rates up to four times higher than the national averages. As North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey said, "We have seen gains in physical safety that were once unimaginable, become the standard for success. It's time to bring the same mindset, resources, and innovation to the issue of mental health and suicide prevention."

In promoting Suicide Prevention Month (September) and Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13), BAC MAP aims to help reduce the number of deaths by suicide amongst the workforce by shedding light on the scope of the problem, destigmatizing the topic, encouraging early intervention, instilling hope, and sharing critical, life-saving resources. 

Suicide is the result of multiple complex and compounding health, personal history, and environmental variables. There is no single cause of suicide that tells a complete story. We know that untreated mental illness, alcohol and substance use disorders, chronic pain, childhood trauma, access to lethal means, and prolonged stress are all examples of risk factors associated with suicide. 

Looking at the construction industry across the trades, we consider a male dominated workforce that may be especially harmed by negative attitudes about mental health challenges and treatment. This can further intensify a sense of isolation, hopelessness, and despair for those who are in psychological pain.

Therefore, BAC MAP shares the following message - one that all of our brothers and sisters must hear:

You matter, your mental health matters, and help is available now. 

There is a theme that emerges in stories of hope and recovery: to keep going. Relief happens, and healing is possible. 

Please click the links you may need:

For additional information and resources, please visit the following links:

Please note the following key phone numbers:

  • Call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. 
  • United States & Canada: Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 help if you are having thoughts about suicide or are worried about someone you know. 

BAC MAP is invested in helping to protect the wellbeing and life force of each of our members, and to make sure every single brother and sister keeps going. With that, we continue to advance efforts in a greater mission of promoting construction workplace mental health through cultures of care, and with psychological safety as a focus. To speak with a licensed mental health professional at BAC MAP during normal business hours, call 1-833-MAP-TALK. 

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. 

September 9-13, 2024: Construction Suicide Prevention Week

 Suicide Prevention

September 2024: Suicide Prevention Month

September 9-13, 2024: Construction Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and Canada, and workers in the construction industry are impacted at rates up to four times higher than the national averages. As North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey said, "We have seen gains in physical safety that were once unimaginable, become the standard for success. It's time to bring the same mindset, resources, and innovation to the issue of mental health and suicide prevention."

In promoting Suicide Prevention Month (September) and Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13), BAC MAP aims to help reduce the number of deaths by suicide amongst the workforce by shedding light on the scope of the problem, destigmatizing the topic, encouraging early intervention, instilling hope, and sharing critical, life-saving resources. 

Suicide is the result of multiple complex and compounding health, personal history, and environmental variables. There is no single cause of suicide that tells a complete story. We know that untreated mental illness, alcohol and substance use disorders, chronic pain, childhood trauma, access to lethal means, and prolonged stress are all examples of risk factors associated with suicide. 

Looking at the construction industry across the trades, we consider a male dominated workforce that may be especially harmed by negative attitudes about mental health challenges and treatment. This can further intensify a sense of isolation, hopelessness, and despair for those who are in psychological pain.

Therefore, BAC MAP shares the following message - one that all of our brothers and sisters must hear:

You matter, your mental health matters, and help is available now. 

There is a theme that emerges in stories of hope and recovery: to keep going. Relief happens, and healing is possible. 

Please click the links you may need:

For additional information and resources, please visit the following links:

Please note the following key phone numbers:

  • Call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. 
  • United States & Canada: Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 help if you are having thoughts about suicide or are worried about someone you know. 

BAC MAP is invested in helping to protect the wellbeing and life force of each of our members, and to make sure every single brother and sister keeps going. With that, we continue to advance efforts in a greater mission of promoting construction workplace mental health through cultures of care, and with psychological safety as a focus. To speak with a licensed mental health professional at BAC MAP during normal business hours, call 1-833-MAP-TALK. 

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. 

August 31, 2024: International Overdose Awareness Day

 OverdoseAwareness

August 31, 2024: International Overdose Awareness Day

In 2023, drug overdose deaths again exceeded 100,000 in America - a grim milestone reached for the first time ever in 2021, largely driven by opioids (notably, fentanyl). Opioids have hit the construction industry especially hard, with research showing that construction workers are significantly more likely to die of an opioid overdose than workers in other professions. Other substances with misuse potential are culprits as well, such as alcohol and methamphetamines. Even when an overdose is survived (known as a non-fatal overdose), there may be lasting physical and psychological consequences (including brain damage, hallucinations, heart arrhythmia, respiratory distress, and seizures). 

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. At BAC MAP, recognizing Overdose Awareness Day means reaffirming our commitment to ending overdose fatalities amongst our workforce; strengthening our efforts to reduce stigma around addiction; and remembering those we have lost to an overdose. 

Information and education are key to overdose prevention. Harm reduction is an important part of risk mitigation, and becoming knowledgeable about harm reduction can save lives. The use of Naloxone, an emergency opioid antidote, is an example of a harm reduction practice. Naloxone - which is increasingly accessible without a prescription through local pharmacies and state governments - can be used to actively reverse an opioid overdose as it is happening, and thus prevent death if administered quickly enough. Some high-risk workplaces may even be legally required to carry Naloxone in the years to come (and for good reason). 

It is strongly recommended that workers, leaders, and employers alike familiarize themselves with harm reduction practices, and commit to becoming more involved with the movement to prevent overdose deaths. Whether you may be seeking grief counseling following the loss of a loved one to overdose, are experiencing substance use challenges, or would like to further discuss additional aspects of the topic at hand, please contact BAC MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK.

To learn more about overdose and prevention, please visit the following links:

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. 

July 2024: BIPOC Mental Health Month

 BIPOCMHMonth

July 2024: BIPOC Mental Health Month

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month is a time to raise awareness around the unique mental health concerns and needs of diverse racial and ethnic populations; including those populations who have been harmed by inequitable systems and health disparities. 

Culture, ethnicity, and race all influence how individuals and communities experience the world; including challenges they may face, their perspectives on mental health, and their access to quality mental health services. Disadvantaged and underrepresented individuals and communities may experience unique hardships that can worsen mental health, which can be further complicated by barriers that may limit their access to mental health help when needed.

The Member Assistance Program (MAP) highlights these realities to advocate for and uplift our diverse and vibrant BAC community through visibility; as well as to affirm the labor movement's longstanding vision of a more equitable, just, and inclusive world. We encourage all BAC members in need of culturally informed mental health support, referrals, and resources to contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK. 

For additional resources related to BIPOC Mental Health Month, please visit the following links:

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. 

June 2024: PTSD Awareness Month

PTSD

June 2024: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may appear following a traumatic or deeply stressful event (such as exposure to death, violence, or other existential threats). It is characterized by a number of challenging, painful, limiting or unwanted emotional, behavioral, and social symptoms. Such symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, isolation, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, anger, and low mood. Even when PTSD does not develop following a traumatic event, it is important to be aware that trauma can have a deep and lasting impact on individuals and communities, and mitigation efforts should be made where and when possible. 

While PTSD can happen to anyone, some may be more likely to be exposed to precursory traumatic events than others. For instance, those who serve in the military may be more likely to experience trauma than civilians. Trauma-related distress (whether it has to do with one's occupation or otherwise), can be profoundly debilitating. 

Workers in the construction industry, including veterans, should be aware that support is available. BAC members (and their loved ones) who may have been exposed to trauma are encouraged to complete an online PTSD screening by clicking here or here. If you or a loved one have been negatively impacted by trauma, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK for further support. 

For additional PTSD related information and resources, please visit:

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.