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December 2025: Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition related to seasonal changes. Since SAD is typically associated with depressive symptoms (such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, and/or an 'empty' feeling), it's commonly called seasonal depression. Shorter days and reduced exposure to sunlight are thought to cause chemical changes that may lead to a higher number of SAD cases during the winter months (as compared to other seasons), with December being Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. 

Changes in environment and circumstances can also contribute to the onset of seasonal depression. For construction workers, this could include seasonal layoffs or increased hazard exposure associated with frigid weather. The holidays can also lead to feelings of isolation or a sense of inadequacy; and peak retail season can bring about additional financial strain.

The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) is here to support members and their loved ones who may be experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression or 'winter blues.' You are not alone, and confidential help can be accessed by contacting BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK (generally available M-F, 8am-7pm ET). 

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. 

November 22, 2025: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an annual event that was established to bring together people who have been impacted by a suicide death. Those who have been impacted by the loss of a loved one to suicide (survivors) commonly experience a range of profound, intense, and complex emotions, including sadness, shock, confusion, intense guilt, shame, anger, abandonment, rejection, loneliness, yearning/searching, and even relief.

Survivors of suicide can often feel 'iced out' of traditional spaces reserved for grief, or may otherwise be ostracized. This is yet another reason it is critically important to break down stigma associated with mental health challenges and suicide, and to work towards creating and maintaining safe, compassionate, understanding environments - on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day - and well beyond. 

Suicide has created an immense amount of grief and suffering amongst construction workers and their wider community, and it's critically important to shine a light and bring hope to those impacted. The BAC is deeply committed to promoting a culture of care, concern, and healing, and BAC MAP is here to help those affected. Please contact BAC MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK if you are in need of suicide loss related support. For additional information and resources, please visit the following links:

• AFSP: Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
• CASP/ACPS: Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
• Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors
• 988: Loss Survivors
• United Suicide Survivors International

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. 

November 3-7, 2025: International Stress Awareness Week

While emotional stress is a normal response to the pressures of everyday life, it can easily boil over. If stress is not effectively managed, it can have severely negative impacts on one's physical health, behavioral health, relationships, work, and other important areas of life. While many people chalk it up to being 'all in one's head,' or dismiss it in other ways, chronic/extreme stress has serious implications and can and should be addressed accordingly. 

Please contact BAC MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK for stress management support services if you have recently and consistently been feeling:

• Strained
• Inadequate
• Insecure
• Stuck
• Swamped by responsibilities
• As though the odds are stacked against you
• As though you cannot cope 
• Weighed down by all that is on your mind
• Powerless
• Overcommitted 
• As though things keep piling up
• As though you do not have enough time to breathe 
• As though things are going very poorly
• As though you are carrying too heavy a load
• As though you want to give up
• On edge
• As though you cannot concentrate or solve problems 
• As though you are in a 'pressure cooker' 

Additional possible physical signs of extreme/toxic stress (indicating that help may be needed) include:

• Chest heaviness or pain
• Shoulder, neck back, or general pain
• Headaches
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding 
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Feelings of tiredness, anxiousness, or depression
• Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Using substances to relieve emotional pain 

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. 

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.