CORONATION Street has frequently shone a light on mental health issues in a way that is genuinely helpful.

The latest plotline involves Rover’s Return landlord Steve Macdonald. He’s been going mentally downhill for weeks, being listless, disinterested in his loved ones and finding life on a daily basis really difficult.

I’m regularly shouting at the screen to his mum, Liz, or girlfriend, Michelle, that surely they can see he’s depressed and to do something, but it’s just not that simple. Steve himself, played by the excellent Simon Gregson, has been in denial about the condition but he’s been forced to accept medical help – as his relationship with Michelle, and most of his life, crumbles.

It’s a very well-conceived and acted plotline and there’s no doubt the scriptwriters will have done their homework. Mental health is now such a common problem it’s entirely right it should be highlighted in this way. This should help the sufferers to seek help, and those who love them to recognise the symptoms and offer support.