Why Coronations Street's Most Recent Suicide Storyline is Important

Soaps are a British national treasure, there's no denying it. Whether your fond of this type melodrama or not, this genre of television is known for having the capability to tackle difficult subjects and force them into the public eye. This is is exactly what popular, long-running soap Coronation Street has recently managed to do with both deft and understanding, dedicating a storyline to one of the most prominent issues facing young British males today; suicide.

"it's undeniable the impact and ability (soaps) have to encourage conversation"

Whether you're an EastEnders superfan who religiously spends every Sunday watching the omnibus or you've only caught a few episodes of Emmerdale before dinner, soaps are as much a part of our culture as fish and chips or football. They occupy an interesting medium in that they dramatise events that could (in theory) happen to the average person. These are of course extreme versions of reality and characters, but it's undeniable the impact and ability they have to encourage conversation. So why is it important that writers chose to have Aiden, a relatively successful, young, handsome and popular character suffer from depression and eventually end his own life?

Aiden Connor played by Shane Ward 

A Realistic and Thoughtful Narrative 
Soaps are not  universally know for their tact. In fact it's their over-dramatization of situations that usually define their success (think the infamous 'duff-duffs' of EastEnders). Aiden's narrative was handled in a very different manner. The show has spent the last few months airing several scenes which in of their own seemed inconsequential; a little odd perhaps but nothing compared to the sensationalized storylines they were sandwiched between. As an audience we questioned why he was increasingly distant in social situations, why his moving boxes remained untouched, and why he was indifferent to re-gaining ownership of his much-loved factory. These moments were left to hang, unanswered.

"It's not an immediately obvious illness, (either to ourselves or those around us), it's not simple to diagnose, and it's not something you can easily talk to your loved ones about"

This thoughtful presentation echoes the reality of living with depression. Its not an immediately obvious illness (either to ourselves or those around us), it's not simple to diagnose, and it's not something you can easily talk to your loved ones about. But there are warning signs. By having Aiden's journey only hinted at until the final episode, it gave the audience pause to think that just because someone seems okay, the reality might be quite different. 

Reaction of Community
Another facet the writers chose to focus on was the reactions of the community, friends, and loved ones. These ranged from despair and disbelief to confusion and anger. Aiden's father and sister simply cannot believe he has committed suicide, desperately trying to find a reason and claiming it must have been an accident...one character even goes so far as to call his actions selfish.The array of characters and their responses helped not only to portray the difficulties those left behind face, but also the stigma and misunderstanding still associated with mental health problems.

Aiden's father Johnny, played by Richard Hawley 

Starting a Conversation and Listening to Each Other
In a recent BBC interview with Coronation Street Writer Jonathan Harvey, he states he saw the storyline as way to send a message about seeking help. It might well be that someone you know has been acting odd and doesn't quite seem themselves - seeing Aiden's story, you could be encouraged to start a conversation. Not only that, stigma is a big part of why people choose not to seek help when it comes to metal illness. A popular TV show watched by millions of viewers all across the country bringing light to this issue promotes understanding and helps to open a much-needed dialogue,both in the media and in our own homes.

One of the most poignant moments in the episode was Helen Worth's monologue in which she observes that you never really know what's going on in someone's life, and if Aiden had wanted to talk she hoped she would've listened. It's something we all hope for, but sometimes life can get in the way. Hopefully Aiden's story can help us all to be a little more conscious of those around us, and be open to them if they need someone to listen.

Kimberley Parker

The Lions Barber Collective has made a commitment to removing the stigma associated with mental illness and to encourage men to #manupandtalk. For more information about our projects and to get involved visit our website and like us on Facebook