New radio initiative breaks down myths about mental health in rural areas

The Solsonès Regional Council, in the western Lleida area, and public radio station Solsona FM have launched a new radio program focussing on mental health in rural areas.

The initiative seeks to spark conversations around mental health in areas where fear of social judgement often makes the topic difficult to discuss.

The program, titled ‘Enten(i)ment’, is hosted by psychologist Núria Sánchez, from the local Solsonès health center and head of emotional and community wellbeing.

Sánchez explains that mental health is more stigmatized in rural areas, where people are often resistant to seeking help. 

The initiative wants to “break myths and stigmas” by discussing mental health openly and accessibly.

According to the Solsona FM director, Roser Clotet, the program is not intended to provide group therapy, but to raise awareness and allow listeners to reflect on mental health issues from home.

'Enten(i)ment', which translates to ‘Understanding’ in English while also highlighting the word ‘ment’, which means ‘mind’, will be broadcast once a month, with each episode lasting around 30 minutes. 

The first episode will air on Friday, February 6, coinciding with Carnival, one of the most emblematic celebrations in Solsonès.

Issues such as substance abuse, peer pressure, the role of social groups as spaces of belonging, and the experiences of neurodivergent people during festivities will be addressed.