Oban FM show brings mental health to fore
A trained psychologist from Barcaldine hopes that by reaching out over the airwaves she can help destigmatise mental health issues in the Oban area.
Mental Health Musings with Mer is hosted by Marion Elkin-Greener, and the show is packed with guests, music and chat every Tuesday, from 3pm to 5pm.
Primarily aimed at raising awareness of mental health and addiction, the two-hour long programme opens up discussion on a wide range of issues, with the host herself drawing from personal experiences and years of study.
‘I have not had an addiction to drugs or alcohol but I have a respect for addiction because of my own issues with food,’ said Marion, who specialised in addiction while living and working in Chicago.
‘It all comes from the same area of the brain and most addictions are linked in some way to mental health.’
Marion approached the radio station on the suggestion of her husband Steve and was delighted with the response she received from station manager Laura Johnston.
‘I was co facilitating with Martin’s Monday Club and I also attend the ladies group there which I get a lot out of.
‘When Steve suggested I ask about volunteering with with Oban FM, I didn’t quite know how they would react to the suggestion of a mental health-themed programme but Laura got on board straight away.
‘Des MacMillan from Martyn’s Monday Club was my first guest. I respect him and the group so much and really want to support them in what they are doing.’
As well as members of the Monday Club, Marion’s guests list has also included Graham Morgan from the Mental Health Commission among others.
All of the music Marion plays on her show has connections with mental health and addiction whether it be in the lyrics or through the musicians themselves.
‘I choose my music very carefully,’ she added. ‘And
I like to try and link it to the subject matter. It’s a bit all over the place but I love putting it all together and picking my play lists.
‘The feedback has been tremendous. I have a page on Facebook called Mental Health Musings and I encourage my listeners to private message me there, it’s all confidential, and then what I do is open their issues up on air using different names.
‘All my discussions come through my Facebook page and are all anonymous and strictly confidential.
‘I don’t really care if there are two people listening or 200 people listening. As long as the message is getting out there I’m happy.
For those of you who have not yet discovered this excellent community radio station, Oban FM can be found by tuning into 103.3 or by going to www.obanfm.com