Your Well-Being Matters This Holiday Season: A Message from the CDDA’s Bring It to the Surface Initiative

As the holiday season approaches, the Bring It to the Surface Initiative is reminding workers, supervisors, and companies across the diamond drilling and exploration industry of one important truth: your mental health and wellness matter.

This time of year can bring joy and celebration, but it can also add stress, emotional strain, financial pressure, and feelings of isolation, especially for those working long shifts, away from home, or in remote sites. The Bring It to the Surface initiative was created to ensure that conversations around mental health and wellness are at the forefront in our industry.

What Is Bring It to the Surface?

Bring It to the Surface is a CDDA-led initiative designed to bring mental health and wellness to the forefront of the industry. It isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it’s about helping workers and companies make better use of the supports they already have, ensuring teams are informed, supported, and equipped to handle challenges both on and off the job.

Whether it’s understanding how to access support, recognizing signs of stress, or simply taking the time to check in on someone, Bring It to the Surface encourages every worker to take small steps that lead to safer, healthier crews.

Step One: Know What Resources Are Available to You

Many workers are unsure of where to begin when they’re struggling. One of the most effective first steps is to learn what support exists at your workplace.

Most companies in our industry offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP): a confidential service designed to help workers and their families navigate personal and work challenges.

How an EAP Can Help

Employee Assistance Programs often provide support for things such as:

Confidential mental health counselling (stress, anxiety, depression, grief)
Addiction and substance use support
Family, relationship, and workplace conflict assistance
24/7 crisis or immediate support lines
Financial and basic legal advice
Referrals to long-term or specialized care

These services and similar are confidential and available at most workplaces , making them an essential tool during a season when emotions may run high.

You Are Never Alone

This holiday season, Bring It to the Surface is here to remind every worker in the diamond drilling and exploration industry that support is available, and reaching out is a strength.

Whether you’re a driller, helper, supervisor, administrator, or industry partner, we all play a role in fostering a culture where mental health and wellness is valued as deeply as physical safety.

Take time to check in with yourself. Take time to check in with each other. And most of all, remember that help is always within reach.