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October 2023: National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month 

Against advisement, signs of mental health challenges such as depression are often overlooked, minimized, or disregarded. Mental illness is commonly considered a silent threat because of the individual and cultural tendency to dismiss or deprioritize non-physical health symptoms (symptoms that cannot be 'seen' or 'touched,' such as mental anguish). When these signs and symptoms are ignored, suffering is almost always prolonged and worsened. Untreated mental illness can have a crippling effect on a person's ability to function within their homes and families, workplaces, and communities. The key message is that ongoing turmoil is often avoidable, controllable, or treatable; so long as concerns are properly detected, and interventions are available and accessed. To encourage such detection and treatment where needed, the Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) acknowledges and promotes National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. 

Completing a depression or other mental health screening can lead to life-improving (or even lifesaving) help and care. Online screening tools are often quick and easy to complete, and can help give a clearer picture of your mental health status. If your results indicate a possible mental health concern, it is important to connect with your doctor or a mental health professional at BAC MAP to discuss next steps. To complete an online mental health screening, please visit the below links: 

• Take a mental health test (Mental Health America)
• How are you feeling? (Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention)

Please note that online screening tools are for informational purposes only; they are not meant to replace formal assessments or diagnostic evaluations. In addition to online screenings, BAC MAP recommends talking to your doctor about mental health assessments (you can learn more by clicking here). You are also encouraged to contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK to discuss any aspect of mental health, mental health screenings, or depression. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 support from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

September 4-8, 2023: 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, "The loss of any worker is one too many;" and considering that suicide prevention is possible with timely, evidence-based interventions, proactivity is key. 

In promoting Suicide Prevention Month (September) and Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-8); 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, instilling hope, and sharing critical, life-saving information. (Scroll down for resources). 

Relevant facts and figures:

• In 2021 (the latest year of available data), 1.7 million American adults attempted suicide. Many millions more seriously thought about suicide or planned a suicide attempt. ^{_{Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}}

• In 2021 (the latest year of available data), 3.9 times more men died by suicide than women. ^{_{American Foundation for Suicide Prevention}}

• For every suicide attempt, approximately 147 people are affected (including those directly affected, such as family or close friends, as well as coworkers and the general community). ^{_{Forefront Suicide Prevention Center}}

• The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates as compared to other industries. ^{_{Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}}

• Approximately 17 veterans die by suicide daily, which is especially relevant given the number of veterans who begin to work within the construction industry after transitioning to civilian life. ^{_{U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs}}

• Workers in the construction industry are 5 times more likely to die by suicide than all other work-related fatalities. ^{_{Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}}

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 struggles and getting mental health treatment when needed. This can further intensify a sense of isolation, hopelessness, and despair (each of which are elements of psychological pain that are associated with a suicidal mindset). 

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

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

There is a theme that emerges in stories of hope and recovery: to keep going. BAC MAP echoes this message in perpetuity. Relief happens, and healing is possible. 

Please click the link(s) you may need:

• Get help for yourself

• Get help for someone else

• Learn the warning signs of suicide so that you know what to look for

• Learn how to have a conversation with someone you are worried about

• Take a mental health screening

• Get connected to mental health resources of all kinds

Please note the following key phone numbers:

• Call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. 

• United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 help if you are having thoughts about suicide or are worried someone you know may be having thoughts about suicide.

• Canada: Call 1-833-456-4566 (Talk Suicide Canada) for 24/7 help if you are having thoughts about suicide or are worried someone you know may be having thoughts about suicide. (NOTE: Canada will be switching their national hotline number to 988 effective November 30, 2023).  

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

• Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

• Construction Suicide Prevention Week 2023

• Suicide Prevention Resources - CPWR

• Preventing Suicides in Construction - OSHA

• Suicide Prevention Month - NAMI

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention

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.

Annual drug overdose deaths in America exceeded 100,000 for the first time ever in 2021. This staggering increase in substance-related fatalities, up nearly 50% from the year prior, was largely driven by opioids (notably fentanyl). Opioids have hit the construction industry especially hard, and in fact, recent research reveals that construction workers are six to seven times more likely to die of an overdose than workers in other professions. Some examples of other substances with misuse potential/that can lead to overdose include alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Even when an overdose is survived (also called a non-fatal overdose); it can have 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 end overdose amongst our workforce; strengthening our efforts to reduce stigma around addiction, as well as fatal and non-fatal overdoses; and remembering those we have lost to accidental overdoses. 

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 harm reduction. Naloxone - which is increasingly accessible through local pharmacies, even without a prescription - can actively reverse an opioid overdose as it's happening, and thus prevent death if administered quickly enough. Some high-risk workplaces, such as construction sites, may even be legally required to carry naloxone in the years to come (and for good reason). 

It is strongly recommended that workers, leaders, contractors and related parties alike familiarize themselves with harm reduction practices and ways to become more involved in the movement to spread awareness and prevent overdose. Whether you may be seeking grief counseling following the loss of a loved one; are experiencing trauma-related distress associated with an overdose; or would like more information on the topic at large, please contact BAC MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK. 

To learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day, please visit the following links: 

• International Overdose Awareness Day
• Drug Overdose - CDC
• Opioid Overdose - SAMHSA

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 support from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. 

In 2008, July was designated National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month by the U.S. House of Representatives. This designation was the result of efforts to promote education and expand advocacy around mental health matters within racial and ethnic minority groups.

The following concerns are tied into the importance of promoting this cause: cultural differences, stigma, and unique perspectives surrounding mental health across diverse backgrounds and communities; historical and generational trauma; and issues having to do with underrepresentation, health disparities, and access to culturally competent care. In solidarity with and support of our BAC members who may be experiencing poor mental health outcomes or are otherwise adversely impacted by these matters, MAP joins our nation in observing Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

We encourage all BAC members and their loved ones who may be benefit from discussing the topic at hand; are seeking high-quality care or guidance; or who would like advisement on additional resources, to connect with MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK.

To learn more about National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, please visit the following links:

•  
• Prioritizing Minority Mental Health (CDC)
• National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (NAMI)

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 support from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. 

BAC MAP is proud to join the United States and Canada in recognizing June as Men's Health Month. Given that over 90% of workers in the construction industry are male, and that most construction-related health issues can be addressed with worker education and safer practices; it's imperative for us to spotlight matters pertaining to this topic. 

Relevant Facts and Figures:

• Several health risk behaviors are more prevalent among construction workers than among the general workforce (including smoking, smokeless tobacco use, binge drinking, no leisure-time physical activity, and inconsistent seat belt use). _{Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine}

• More than half of men do not get regular health screenings/do not engage in preventive care. _{Cleveland Clinic}

• Men are more likely than women to drink excessively, and have higher rates of alcohol related hospitalizations than women. _{Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}

• Men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, and have higher rates of illicit drug related hospitalizations and overdose deaths than women. _{National Institute on Drug Abuse}

• Men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women. _{American Foundation for Suicide Prevention}

• Men with mental illness are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women. _{National Institute of Mental Health}

• Nearly 1 in 10 men experience some form of depression or anxiety, but less than half seek treatment. _{Anxiety and Depression Association of America}

• Men have higher mortality and morbidity rates of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and cancer. _{World Journal of Men's Health} 

• 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. _{Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}

What to Do Now:

• Address stigma and avoidance behaviors (as studies show they are related to masculine norms that have been associated with the underutilization of health care services by males, including mental health and substance use treatment services). _{American Journal of Men's Health}

• Recognize signs and symptoms through health, mental health, and substance use screenings; especially considering some of the leading causes of death and chronic health issues amongst males have preventable common risk factors (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, hypertension, and high-risk behaviors). _{World Journal of Men's Health}

• Choose a primary care doctor if you do not already have one. 

• Get regular checkups and engage in preventive care. 

• Manage chronic pain (including pain related to muskuloskeletal disorders) with a medical professional, and discuss non-opioid pain management alternatives as indicated. _{Center for Construction Research and Training}

• Know that help is available. Call MAP for mental health and substance use related matters at 1-833-MAP-TALK. If you are experiencing a life-threatening crisis, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. 

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

• Men's Health Month (Mental Health America)

• Man Therapy

• Men's Health Month (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

• Complete a mental health screening here

• Complete a men's health check here (Canada)

• Men's Mental Health (Anxiety and Depression Association of America)

• Men's Health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

• Treatment Locator (SAMHSA)

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 support from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

A recent study showed that over 80% of construction workers have experienced a mental health challenge. Rates of suicide (a risk of mental illness) have also increased significantly in recent years. Whether your symptoms are mild (such as feeling down or having trouble sleeping), or more severe (such as struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of your mood); your mental health matters, and you deserve healing and relief. 

During the month of May, BAC MAP joins the movement across the United States and Canada to honor the courage of individuals who are living with acute or chronic mental illness; and to raise awareness around mental health more broadly. You are not alone; hope is here. Treatment works, and recovery is possible. 

Together, we unite to fight stigma; normalize conversations surrounding psychological distress; and provide shame-free support to those in need. MAP is committed to helping our brothers and sisters receive the care they deserve in order to live a happier, more fulfilling and peaceful life. BAC members and their loved ones who would like to further discuss any aspect of mental health (such as maintenance), mental illness (such as symptoms), or to obtain help/discuss paths forward, please call 1-833-MAP-TALK. 

For additional information, you may also visit the following links:

• Click Here to Complete a Mental Health Screening
• Mental Health Awareness Month | SAMHSA
• Mental Health Month Awareness Month | NAMI
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 support from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.