An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/1395581
60 HEADSPACE & TIMING MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID IN THE DEFENCE FORCES Introduction Life in the modern Defence Forces has many advantages – It can be fast moving and provide us with lots of variety and opportunities for experience and personal development. At the same time it brings its own unique stresses. We are required to challenge ourselves physically and mentally, and to be prepared to be away from our homes and loved ones on a regular basis. In order to get the best out of our military lives it is essential that we equip ourselves and our families with the tools we need to maximise the satisfaction and enjoyment that comes with being a military professional in 21st Century Ireland. The Personnel Support Service works towards reducing stigma around mental health, so that anyone who feels vulnerable or distressed can feel safe and supported in looking for help! In this article I would like to introduce you to Mental Health First Aid, one of our most important tools in achieving our mission. So what is Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised and evidence based training platform that gives us the skills and knowledge to assist our colleagues and anyone else who might be experiencing mental health distress. It is the standard training intervention used by the PSS to support positive mental health and wellbeing in the Defence Forces. People who have completed MHFA training should be better equipped to recognise when they or another person are in distress. They should have the confidence and knowledge to intervene, to help and to get that person to the right support as quickly as possible. Privates Michael Ennis and Cathal Flaherty from Offaly serving in the Golan Heights, away from home and it's comforts for 6 months To achieve the mission, sometimes we take casualties, but we never leave them behind, this should be the case for mental health issues on and off the battlefield We're all carrying our own stresses, some heavy and some light, we struggle harder if we do it alone HEADSPACE AND TIMING By Lt Col John Martin, PSS Photos by Sgt Karl Byrne, A/M Sam Gibney, DF Flickr & Mark Pollock