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SeasonalDepression
December 2024: 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. These could include seasonal layoffs or increased hazard exposure associated with frigid weather. The holiday season can also lead to feelings of isolation or inferiority, as well as bring about 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 free, confidential help can be accessed by contacting BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK (generally available during business hours).

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. 

Recent Bulletins

November 4-8, 2024: International Stress Awareness Week

 

Stress

 

November 4-8, 2024: International Stress Awareness Week

The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) recognizes International Stress Awareness Week in support of members who may need help with responding to the pressures of everyday life. While emotional stress is a normal reaction to certain life events or situations, managing it effectively can sometimes present a challenge. If stress is not effectively managed over time, it can have negative impacts on physical health, behavioral health, relationships, and other important areas of one's life. 

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

  • Strained
  • Inadequate
  • Overextended
  • Insecure
  • Stuck
  • Swamped by responsibilities
  • As though the odds are stacked against you 
  • That there is not enough time to get everything done
  • 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 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

Additional potential warning signs and symptoms of undealt with stress (indicating 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 2024: National Depression Awareness Month

 depression

October 2024: National Depression Awareness Month

Depression (formally called a depressive disorder) is a common mental health condition impacting millions of people each year. Many individuals do not recognize the symptoms or gravity of depression, leading to missed opportunities to get connected to treatment and prolongment of needless or excessive suffering. Depression can create challenges in all areas of life, including at work and at home. Prevalence rates are thought to be elevated amongst construction workers, making education and awareness all the more important. 

Signs and symptoms of depression (which can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe), may include experiencing a loss of pleasure or interest in activities, having trouble concentrating, experiencing a sense of extremely low self-worth, feeling hopeless about the future, disrupted sleeping or eating patterns, and/or feeling excessively tired or low energy. 

Myths about depression include that it is not a real or serious medical condition, and that strong people can snap themselves out of depression or do not experience it at all. None of these are true. Depression is a legitimate, complex illness predisposed by certain biological and environmental factors; and should be understood with the same level of seriousness as other medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. It affects all people, from all walks of life, does not indicate or reflect mental weakness, nor can it be treated by being told or asked to 'be tough.'

During National Depression Awareness Month, we acknowledge the importance of screenings as a key component of early intervention and improved outcomes. National Depression Screening Day takes place on October 10, 2024, and you can take an online depression screening by clicking here.

The IUBAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) is here to support all members and their loved ones who may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Help is 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. 

September 2024: Suicide Prevention Month

 Suicide Prevention

September 2024: Suicide Prevention Month

September 9-13, 2024: 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, "We have seen gains in physical safety that were once unimaginable, become the standard for success. It's time to bring the same mindset, resources, and innovation to the issue of mental health and suicide prevention."

In promoting Suicide Prevention Month (September) and Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13), 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, encouraging early intervention, instilling hope, and sharing critical, life-saving resources. 

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 challenges and treatment. This can further intensify a sense of isolation, hopelessness, and despair for those who are in psychological pain.

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

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

There is a theme that emerges in stories of hope and recovery: to keep going. Relief happens, and healing is possible. 

Please click the links you may need:

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

Please note the following key phone numbers:

  • Call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. 
  • United States & Canada: Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 help if you are having thoughts about suicide or are worried about someone you know. 

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. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

September 9-13, 2024: Construction Suicide Prevention Week

 Suicide Prevention

September 2024: Suicide Prevention Month

September 9-13, 2024: 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, "We have seen gains in physical safety that were once unimaginable, become the standard for success. It's time to bring the same mindset, resources, and innovation to the issue of mental health and suicide prevention."

In promoting Suicide Prevention Month (September) and Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13), 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, encouraging early intervention, instilling hope, and sharing critical, life-saving resources. 

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 challenges and treatment. This can further intensify a sense of isolation, hopelessness, and despair for those who are in psychological pain.

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

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

There is a theme that emerges in stories of hope and recovery: to keep going. Relief happens, and healing is possible. 

Please click the links you may need:

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

Please note the following key phone numbers:

  • Call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. 
  • United States & Canada: Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 help if you are having thoughts about suicide or are worried about someone you know. 

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. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.