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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:

• BIPOC Mental Health Month (MHA)
• BIPOC Mental Health (MHA)
• BIPOC Mental Health (SAMHSA)

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: 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:

• PTSD Awareness Month Calendar
• PTSD (VA)
• PTSD (SAMHSA)
• PTSD (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. 

June 2024: Men's Health Month

Worker wellbeing is greatly impacted by one's health status. With over 90% of construction workers being male and given that many construction-related health issues can be addressed with education and safer practices; BAC MAP joins the U.S. and Canada in recognizing and promoting International Men's Health Month. 

Relevant Facts and Figures:

• Several health risk behaviors are more prevalent among construction workers than other professions (including smoking, smokeless tobacco use, binge drinking, low leisure-time physical activity, and inconsistent seatbelt use). 
• More than half of men do not get regular health screenings or engage in preventive care. 
• Men are more likely than women to drink excessively, and to have higher rates of alcohol related hospitalizations. 
• Men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, and to have higher rates of illicit drug related hospitalizations and overdose deaths. 
• Men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women. 
• Men experiencing mental illness are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women experiencing mental illness. 
• Nearly 1 in 10 men experience some form of depression or anxiety, but less than half seek treatment. 
• Men have higher mortality and morbidity rates of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. 
• 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.

What to Do Now: 

• Address stigma and treatment avoidance (studies show that underutilization of health care services by males, including mental health and substance use treatment, may be related to norms around perceptions of masculinity). 
• Recognize signs and symptoms by getting screened (for physical health, mental health, and substance use conditions). Some of the leading causes of death and chronic health issues amongst males (smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and hypertension) have common risk factors, therefore screening and early intervention can be lifesaving. 
• Choose a primary care doctor if you do not already have one. 
• Engage in preventive care by getting regular check-ups. 
• Manage chronic pain with a medical professional. Discuss non-opioid pain management alternatives to treat muskuloskeletal disorders with your doctor. 
• Know that help is available. Call MAP (1-833-MAP-TALK) for mental health and substance use related matters, as well as guidance on locating a medical professional to address health issues. 

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

• Men's Health Month (Mental Health America)
• Man Therapy
• Men's Health Month (HHS)
• Men's Health Check (Canada)
• Men's Health (CDC)
• Men's Mental Health (ADAA)

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. 

May 2024: International Mental Health Awareness Month

Promoting and protecting the mental health of BAC members and their families is a fundamental mission of the Member Assistance Program (MAP). Accordingly, BAC MAP proudly supports efforts championed during Mental Health Awareness Month to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking and recovery. 

Globally, rates of mental health conditions have jumped in recent years, and construction workers are not immune to these trends. One study showed that over 80% of construction workers have experienced a mental health challenge; and higher construction worker suicide rates are critical to speak out on as well. Mental illness and other associated mental health challenges pose significant threats to overall wellbeing, and may be linked to extreme distress and functional impairment. 

Many different factors contribute to the development of mental health conditions, none of which warrant shame. BAC members experiencing mental health challenges (whether acute or chronic, and from mild to severe), should know that they are not alone, and that they have the support and solidarity from their Union. BAC MAP is a resource that can help members and their loved ones address their mental health needs; and obtain care that can lead to happier, more fulfilling, and peaceful lives. To connect with BAC MAP, please call 1-833-MAP-TALK. 

In addition to connecting with BAC MAP for help and support if needed, we encourage members to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month in a variety of ways:

• Complete a mental health screening: By completing an online CIASP (or other) screening tool, you can check in on your mental and behavioral health, and determine next steps on the path to treatment and recovery.
• Share your story: If you are at a place in your recovery to share your story, doing so with safe and trusted individuals and groups can be a powerful way to promote healing for yourself as well in others.
• End the stigma: Recognize that stigma and false beliefs around mental health conditions can be extremely harmful. Commit to taking actions that will end stigma, self-shaming, and the shaming of others. 
• Increase knowledge: Learning about mental illness, what to do in a crisis, and of available resources, are some of the most important actions you can take to make a difference. Consider watching this webinar with BAC MAP Director, Alex Jacobi, to increase knowledge around mental health and the construction industry.

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

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Talk Away the Dark
• Mental Health and Wellness Canada
• National Council for Mental Wellbeing

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.