Thinking of counselling? Here are 5 things to know.
Posted January 27, 2025
Resources
Maybe you’re not ready to reach out just yet.
Maybe you just need to find a handy resource.
If so, you’ll find it below.
When you’re ready to get help, give us a call.
Self-Assessment Forms
These self assessment tools can help you get a snapshot of how you’re feeling and help identify patterns and potential signs or symptoms.
Consider your irritability, energy levels, appetite and sleep
Generalized Anxiety Assessment
Consider those unwelcome feelings of worry and dread
Post Traumatic Stress Assessment
Consider PTSD symptoms like uncontrollable thoughts
Satisfaction with Life Assessment
Consider your perceived position relative to your goals
“For the first time,
I have hope.“
– CSW Member
Government Resources
EI Sickness Benefits
People who are going to bed-based treatment qualify for sickness benefits through EI. Note that a medical certificate completed by a medical practitioner is required.
Progressive Housing Society
A vital non-profit charity in Burnaby, providing essential services to over 2500 adults facing mental health challenges or homelessness.
211 by United Way BC
A centralized database of mental health and substance use support in BC, including resources for MHSU, food, housing, financial issues, and more.
211 – Shelter Lists
The Shelter and Street Help Line assists people who are affected by homelessness in the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley regional districts, as well as in Greater Victoria.
BC Housing’s Homeless Prevention Program
This program connects people who are at risk of homelessness with housing options, portable rent supplements and support services.
Health Connect Registry
British Columbians can register here to get a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Salal – Sexual Violence Support Centre
Dedicated to the prevention and treatment of sexual violence against women, Salal offers legal advice, shelter, and counselling.
Support Lines
DOWNLOAD RESOURCE CARD
Industry Insights and Reports
Changing the Industry: from Resistance to Leadership
The construction industry has long been impacted by work-related stress, chronic pain, and high-pressure environments. Historically, there were barriers to open conversations about mental health and substance use, and accessing support was not always straightforward.
BuildStrong by CIRP recognised the need for a compassionate, non-judgmental approach built on trauma-informed, industry-specific care. Through ongoing engagement with workers, unions, and employers, BuildStrong by CIRP has helped shift the industry’s approach from reactive to proactive, ensuring that mental health and substance use are seen as workplace priorities rather than individual struggles.
Change begins with understanding. That’s why, for many years, we’ve led the way in conducting extensive research on the impact of MHSU on the construction, trades and technical industries. Our findings continue to shape industry conversations, best practices, and service delivery throughout British Columbia and beyond.
The insight gained from these reports underscore why an industry-specific approach is essential—one that recognizes the realities of the industry, while ensuring that workers and employers have the tools and resources they need to overcome their MHSU issues and build back stronger.
Some of our findings:
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Opioid-Free Pain Service (OFPS) Pilot Report, 2023-2024
In this report, we evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological pain management and confirm that opioid-free treatments improve pain levels, mobility, and mental well-being.
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Construction Industry-Led Solution to the Overdose Epidemic (2023)
This CIRP White Paper outlines the systemic factors contributing to substance use and mental health concerns in construction and proposes an industry-led response.
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Economic Impact of Substance Use and Related Mental Health, 2023
This document demonstrates that MHSU-related absenteeism and presenteeism costs the BC construction industry an estimated $847 million annually, proving that there’s a vital connection between the mental wellbeing of the workforce and economic wellbeing of the industry.
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Return-to-Work (RTW) Study, FraserHealth & CIRP (2020)
This comprehensive study identifies the barriers and best practices for supporting workers in their recovery and return to meaningful employment.
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Attitudes Toward Mental Health and Substance Use, WorkSafeBC & CIRP (2019)
This study found that 55% of construction workers reported concerns about their own or their co-worker’s mental health or substance use, highlighting the need for stigma reduction and workplace education.
Articles
3 mental health exercises you can use right now in the workplace
Posted January 27, 2025
5 FREE* tools for trades and tech workers that save lives.
Posted January 27, 2025
Keyword Search
Common Keywords
Video Guides
Keyword Search
Best Possible Self
Healing through imagination
Runtime: 2 min
Covering Your BACES
Steps to positive mental health
Runtime: 2.5 min
Gratitude Journal
Building happiness through gratitude
Runtime: 2 min
HALT: Understanding the Need
Preparing yourself for the journey
Runtime: 1.5 min
Living a Meaningful Life
Honouring your values
Runtime: 2 min
Practice Mindfulness
Being more aware of your thoughts
Runtime: 2 min
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Using relaxation to change your neurochemistry
Runtime: 2 min
Developing a Nurturing Voice
Being kind to yourself
Runtime: 1 min
Play the Tape Through
Stop and think
Runtime: 1 min
Creating SMART Recovery Goals
Setting yourself up for success
Runtime: 2 min
Square Breathing Technique
Calm breathing for anxiety
Runtime: 1 min
Putting Your Thoughts on Trial
Challenging self-defeating thoughts
Runtime: 2.5 min
Thought Stopping
Keeping unwanted thoughts at bay
Runtime: 2 min
Tips, Tools and Guides
Keyword Search
Anxiety Interventions
Best Possible Self
Covering Your BACES
Depression Interventions
Gratitude Visit
Meaningful Life
Practicing Mindfulness
Relapse Prevention