Television storylines in shows such as Coronation Street, EastEnders and Homeland help viewers understand mental health issues better, according to new research.
Academics studied TV dramas, including soaps, and found that the way mental health issues are portrayed on screen is becoming more realistic and is more likely to encourage people to seek help for their own problems.
The report, by campaign group Time to Change, found mental health issues featuring more often in plot lines than five years ago but warned there were still some "simplistic portrayals" and misinformation.
More than 2,000 viewers were questioned as part of the research with more than half (54%) saying that seeing a well-known character on screen portrayed as having a mental health problem improved their understanding of what it involved.
Almost half (48%) said it helped change their opinion about who can develop such problems and nearly a third (31%) said they had discussed storylines with friends or family.
Stuart Blackburn, the producer of Coronation Street which is about to feature a story where one if its best-known characters, Steve McDonald, is diagnosed with depression, said it was a "challenge" for the show.
He said: "A particular challenge we faced with Steve and his depression is the audience's fear that the Steve they loved is gone for good.
"What viewers love about him primarily is the comedy - he's affable, hapless Steve, the bloke next door. But I've told the writers his DNA hasn't changed.
"His head might be taking a battering at the moment, but he still has the same wit, still has good days and bad days. And you can't rush the story.
"We've got to find a way to tell the truth about this, warts and all, and entertain the audience. You hope a show like Corrie can genuinely make a difference to tens if not hundreds of thousands of people, who'll be watching with different eyes or thinking 'Maybe I should go to the doctor' - but we won't get through to them if they're turning off."
The Facts About Depression Symptoms
Negative Feelings (01 of15)
Open Image ModalDo you have persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness that have lingered for at least two weeks and occur throughout the day, every day or nearly every day? Are these feelings interfering with school or work, or your relationships? This is a key symptom of clinical depression. We all have negative thoughts from time to time, and it’s natural to be sad when there is a serious event in our lives, like a death. The difference with clinical depression is that the feelings stick around and interfere with your ability to live your life day to day. (credit:Shuji Kobayashi via Getty Images)
Fatigue(02 of15)
Open Image ModalMany people with depression find it difficult to get out of bed — and we're not just talking about hitting the snooze button. For some, getting up seems nearly impossible. They may also find themselves spending unusual amounts of time in bed throughout the day, or having trouble with normal activities because of fatigue. (credit:digitalskillet via Getty Images)
Changes In Sleeping Patterns (03 of15)
Open Image ModalAs tired as you may be, if you’re depressed you might also have trouble sleeping. Marked changes in sleeping patterns, like insomnia or increased time spent sleeping, is another symptom of clinical depression. (credit:Casarsa via Getty Images)
Changes In Appetite (04 of15)
Open Image ModalSome people either gain or lose weight when they have clinical depression because of their change in appetite. For some, this means an increase in appetite and possibly weight gain as a result. Others lose their appetite and struggle to eat much at all. In either case, a significant change is worth investigating. (credit:Sami Sarkis via Getty Images)
Loss Of Interest In Fun Activities (05 of15)
Open Image ModalWe all have times when we feel a bit more introverted than usual, but when people have clinical depression, they can lose the sense of pleasure they used to get from their favourite activities or from engaging with others. This isolation can make it harder for friends and loved ones to see the other symptoms of depression a person may be exhibiting, which makes it more difficult to know when a person needs help. (credit:David Ryle via Getty Images)
Difficulty Concentrating (06 of15)
Open Image ModalIt’s more often thought of as a symptom of ADHD, but an inability to concentrate or hold focus on one’s activities can be a sign of clinical depression. Of course, if someone with clinical depression is also having trouble sleeping, not eating well or has lost interest in regular activities, this symptom can be amplified. (credit:kieferpix via Getty Images)
Suicidal Thoughts (07 of15)
Open Image ModalChronic Irritability (08 of15)
Open Image ModalPhysical Pain(09 of15)
Open Image ModalLack Of Daily Hygiene (10 of15)
Open Image ModalFor people with severe depression, basic tasks of self care can seem too overwhelming to undertake, Taravella says. As well, personal hygiene may seem unimportant if you are feeling hopeless or worthless. If someone in your life is showing a marked decrease in personal hygiene, don’t assume they are simply lazy. (credit:Canonzoom via Getty Images)
Memory Problems (11 of15)
Open Image ModalHarmful Activities (12 of15)
Open Image ModalSome people who show signs of depression engage in what Taravella refers to as “externalizing behaviours,” which include substance abuse and risk-taking activities. Men are more likely to do it, he says. These behaviours can be a sign of an underlying mental-health problem, particularly if they’re out of the ordinary for the individual. (credit:Daniel Grizelj via Getty Images)
If You Think You Have Symptoms Of Depression (13 of15)
Open Image Modal“If you recognize symptoms of depression, take action and immediately seek professional help,” Taravella advises. There are valuable resources out there, he says, including psychotherapy and antidepressants. Many people also find some relief with meditation and exercise, often in conjunction with other treatments. It can be difficult to navigate the process of finding the right help, especially if you are having trouble just getting out of bed. Try talking to a trusted friend or family member who can help you research options and even call a therapist for you. (credit:Paul Bradbury via Getty Images)
Once You Start Your Treatment(14 of15)
Open Image ModalIt can take time for depression treatments to start making a difference, which is frustrating when you've taken the difficult step of admitting you need help. But while you work on medication and/or therapy, there are things you can do. Be as active as you can, Taravella says, and try to see friends. “Create small goals for yourself each week but don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself,” he suggests. While it can take time for depression symptoms to begin to lift, it may be worth seeking different treatment options if you are not seeing any improvement after two months. (credit:moodboard via Getty Images)
How To Help Someone With Depression (15 of15)
Open Image ModalSue Baker, director of Time to Change, said television had the "ability to shape and form public opinion".
She said:"It's important that some of the country's best loved soaps and drama series are taking on mental health storylines, doing them accurately, not fuelling stigma and helping improve understanding."