October 2025: National Depression Awareness Month
Depression is a common mental health condition, impacting millions of people each year. Many individuals do not recognize the symptoms of depression within themselves (or others), do not get connected to treatment, and end up suffering further. Depression can create challenges in all areas of life, including at work.
Signs and symptoms of a depressive episode (which can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe), may including experiencing loss of pleasure or interest in previously enjoyed activities, having trouble concentrating, experiencing a sense of low self-worth, feeling hopeless about the future, disrupted sleeping and eating patterns, and/or feeling excessively tired/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 that strong people 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 or diabetes. It affects all people, from all walks of life (including construction workers), and does not reflect mental weakness.
During National Depression Awareness Month, we acknowledge the importance of screening for mental health conditions in the name of earliest possible intervention and improved outcomes. National Depression Screening Day occurs on October 9, 2025. You can take an online screening by clicking here.
The IUBAC Member Assistance Program (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 during business hours.
To learn more about depression and to find additional resources, please visit the following links:
- Depression - National Institute of Mental Health
- Depression - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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.