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Depression

October 2026: National Depression Awareness Month

Depression is a common mental health condition that impacts millions of people each year. Many individuals do not recognize the symptoms of depression within themselves (or others) and suffer further as a result because they do not get connected to treatment. Depression can create challenges in all areas of life, including work. 

Signs and symptoms of a depressive episode - which is either mild, moderate, or severe - may include losing pleasure or interest in previously enjoyed activities, having trouble concentrating, experiencing a sense of low self-worth, feeling hopeless about the future, experiencing disruptions in sleeping or eating patterns, and feeling excessively tired or without energy. 

Myths about depression include that it is not a real or serious medical problem, and that strong, resolved people can 'snap themselves out of it,' (or do not experience it at all). None of these things are true. Depression is a legitimate, complex condition caused by certain biological and environmental factors, and should be understood with the same level of seriousness as other medical conditions such as heart disease. It affects all people, from all walks of life - including construction workers - and does not reflect mental weakness. 

During National Depression Awareness Month, the BAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) recognizes the importance of screening for mental health conditions so that early intervention is possible and wellbeing can be improved. National Depression Screening Day occurs on October 9, 2026. You can take an online screening by clicking here.

BAC MAP is here to help all members and their loved ones who may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Support and guidance are 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. 

This website is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.

Recent Bulletins

September 2026: Suicide Prevention Month

 SuicidePrevention

September 2026: Suicide Prevention Month

September 14-18, 2026: 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 higher-than-average rates. With construction having one of the highest rates of suicide among all industries, we must recognize suicide prevention as a critical occupational health and safety effort. 

The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) highlights Suicide Prevention Month with a special focus on Construction Suicide Prevention Week to break the stigma, encourage early intervention, offer hope, and share critical, life-saving resources. MAP has the following message for our BAC brothers and sisters in need: you matter, your wellbeing matters, you are not alone, and help is available.

While the reasons behind suicide are not simple, our message could not be more straightforward: your journey isn't over. There is a theme that emerges in stories of hope and recovery: to keep going. Relief happens, and healing is possible. 

For 24/7 suicide or crisis intervention for yourself or someone you're worried about, call, text, or chat 988. 

For confidential help from a specialist who grasps the realities you may face as a worker in the trades, or to get quickly and easily connected to treatment or other support services, contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK (1-833-627-8255), Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm ET. 

For more, please visit the following links:

Additional resources:

CSPW

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. 

This website is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
September 14-18, 2026: Construction Suicide Prevention Week

 SuicidePrevention

September 2026: Suicide Prevention Month

September 14-18, 2026: 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 higher-than-average rates. With construction having one of the highest rates of suicide among all industries, we must recognize suicide prevention as a critical occupational health and safety effort. 

The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) highlights Suicide Prevention Month with a special focus on Construction Suicide Prevention Week to break the stigma, encourage early intervention, offer hope, and share critical, life-saving resources. MAP has the following message for our BAC brothers and sisters in need: you matter, your wellbeing matters, you are not alone, and help is available.

While the reasons behind suicide are not simple, our message could not be more straightforward: your journey isn't over. There is a theme that emerges in stories of hope and recovery: to keep going. Relief happens, and healing is possible. 

For 24/7 suicide or crisis intervention for yourself or someone you're worried about, call, text, or chat 988. 

For confidential help from a specialist who grasps the realities you may face as a worker in the trades, or to get quickly and easily connected to treatment or other support services, contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK (1-833-627-8255), Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm ET. 

For more, please visit the following links:

Additional resources:

CSPW

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. 

This website is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
August 31, 2026: International Overdose Awareness Day

 OverdoseAwareness

August 31, 2026: International Overdose Awareness Day

Drug overdose is a leading cause of death in the United States and Canada, and construction workers are affected at even higher rates than average. With the widespread circulation of fentanyl, a highly lethal synthetic opioid, the crisis has worsened and families and communities across North America have been left shattered. 

Public health initiatives to reduce drug overdose deaths (such as wider spread access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication) appear to have promising results given the recent drop in annual overdose fatalities, which means we must keep building momentum and advocating for efforts to help save lives. The BAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) is ready to support any member or their loved ones who may be at risk for an overdose. 

Whether you are experiencing substance use challenges and need information or help, are seeking grief counseling following a loss related to an overdose, are wanting to learn more about overdose death prevention pathways and harm reduction, or would like to further discuss any other aspect of substance use, overdose, or prevention, please contact the BAC Member Assistance Program by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK, M-F, 8am-7pm ET. 

For more information, 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. 

This website is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
July 2026: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

 MMH

July 2026: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Differing cultural perspectives on mental health, barriers or limited access to care, historical trauma, and inequitable policies can all add invisible weight. Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is an important time for education and advocacy, and to reaffirm a commitment to ensuring that all construction workers are seen, heard, and understood. 

The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) is a place to talk to someone who grasps the pressures of the job and who can provide culturally responsive support and guidance. BAC MAP will help you get connected to the resources that work for you, no matter your background or story. We encourage all BAC members and their loved ones who are seeking mental health help to get in touch by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK, M-F, 8am-7pm ET. 

To learn more about Minority Mental Health Awareness 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. 

This website is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.