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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. 

April 2024: National Alcohol Awareness Month

Many people who use alcohol in a way that puts their health or safety at risk, or otherwise creates challenges in their lives, do not recognize the behavior as problematic. National Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to evaluate your relationship to alcohol, and to determine a path forward. 

Although each person is different, and this list is not exhaustive; any combination of the following warning signs and symptoms may indicate problem drinking:

• Physical response: Withdrawal from alcohol (such as shakiness, sweating, and palpitations) as well as increased tolerance to alcohol (needing more to achieve the same effect). 
• Urgency: The compulsion 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. 
• Neglect: Neglecting duties and responsibilities as the result of drinking. 
• Harmful/risky behavior: Engaging in behaviors that are threatening to self and/or others as the result of drinking. 

BAC MAP also encourages members who may be concerned about alcohol misuse to complete an online screening by clicking here.

When a pattern of alcohol misuse or problematic drinking is established, or a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder has been given by a licensed professional, intervention is often needed to help bring about change. While millions of North Americans, including those working in the construction industry, are negatively impacted by problematic alcohol use each year; life-saving resources are available. BAC MAP stands in support of members who may need care for challenges related to alcohol use and misuse. If you are a loved one are in need, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK for confidential help. 

For additional resources related to Alcohol Awareness Month, please visit:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

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 2024: National Counseling Awareness Month

Counseling, in its many forms and settings, is a psychological specialty that has provided life-enhancing and life-saving help for millions of people across North America and the world. No matter the motive for seeking help - whether it's mere curiosity, mandated treatment, or severe challenges that limit functioning/negatively impact quality of life, or anything in between - psychological counseling is an invaluable, research-based engine for growth and wellbeing. 

BAC MAP welcomes National Counseling Awareness Month and recognizes the many ways in which BAC members and their families have been and will continue to be helped through counseling services. BAC MAP also aims to overcome stigma related to help-seeking behaviors (such as counseling), through recognition of these pathways as ones of strength and success, rather than weakness or failure. 

If you or a loved one may be seeking counseling 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. 

April 2024: National Month of Hope

Who couldn't use a little more hope in their lives?

In earnest, there have been several recent cascading global and national crises that have had a significant impact on our collective sense of hope and optimism about the future. Research shows that reported levels of hope and happiness have declined in recent years, and suicide rates have risen to their highest point in almost a century. There is a clear need to address what some have called a 'hopelessness epidemic.'

Hope is a powerful force that not only serves as a buffer against depression and suicidality, but adds richness, meaning and purpose to one's life. It is a force that allows individuals and communities to overcome personal and societal challenges; and it warrants recognition as something worth intentionally addressing and cultivating. 

During National Month of Hope, BAC MAP seeks to be a resource for members in need of hope, as well as to promote the spread of messages of hope amongst our community more broadly. If you or a loved one are experiencing hopelessness or would like to further discuss the topic of hope, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK for caring, confidential support.  

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.