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61 An MHFA course is conducted over two days. Each day consists of two three hour sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The sessions are delivered in the Defence Forces by a team of two PSS MHFA trainers and normally takes place over two consecutive days. During an MHFA course we are introduced to mental health as a subject of interest to every person, regardless of their employment, age or experience. We become familiar with common terms and language associated with mental health. We go on to learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of a range of conditions, including depression, stress and when someone may be abusing alcohol or other substances. We are given the right tools to enhance our own ability to listen empathically to each other. We learn how to plan and conduct an intervention safely and effectively when someone is in distress. The end result is getting someone in touch with the help that they need to deal with the problems they are facing. At all stages we take care to ensure that everyone is experiencing MHFA safely and comfortably. How can I get to do a course? PSS teams are currently conducting MHFA courses within all five of the formations of the Defence Forces. MHFA is open to all ranks and all appointments. The courses are usually conducted face to face (which is preferable) or by remote means. This is great because it means that we can offer the course to our comrades who are deployed overseas or on other duties. If you would like to get on a course then please get in touch worth to with your local PSS team and they will be happy to advise you. Our colleague Sergeant Richard MULDARRY is currently serving as BPSSO with 118 IRISHBATT UNIFIL. Richard is a MHFA trainer and is delivering training to our personnel deployed in South LEBANON. As we go through the year we hope to offer MHFA training to adult family members of serving personnel. You can contact us at pss@defenceforces.ie if you would like to get more details about courses available in your area. In the Defence Forces we have a strong cultural tradition of caring for each other. It is an essential part of what makes our organisation work. Mental Health First Aid builds on that proud tradition and gives us all the skill and the confidence to do what we do best – supporting our colleagues and taking care of our families. A heavy burdens weight can be shared if you want it to be, the same goes for mental health issues, all you need do is ask for help You can see a head injury when it bleeds and you'll attend the wound, PSS can help you if you have mental health issues. Attend your wounds, physical or mental In the Defence Forces, one of the first things we learn is to hide ourselves from sight, don't hide from your mental health issues HEADSPACE AND TIMING

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