I have not blogged of late. For anyone who endures/enjoys reading I hope you will appreciate my apologies.
Yes, the trial of Peter Barlow took it's toll on us all. I was a wreck, so it's no wonder the pressure led poor Deirdre to Jackson Pollock a trifle all over the walls... Not least because Young Kenneth became (astonishingly) even more sanctimonious than usual. Michelle rolled her eyes a bit more, Carla took to the Merlot like Craig eats chips, and Steve began a descent into a nervous breakdown....
But in the end, like a really good episode of Quincy - the real wrong 'un was found out. Perma-shifty Rob was shopped by his own sister, Carla and his one-time bride-to-be Tracy led the police straight to him. The two murderers are no more.
Finally, Peter was a free man - especially as he no longer shares a bucket with dickhead cellmate (played by the fabulously monikered Fine Time Fontayne). That was until he arrived back on the cobbles. Where once again, he was a guilty man. Although he might not have killed Tina - to alround he had a crucial role in her demise and was quickly reminded by all and sundry...that girl who works in the Bistro, Rita and bloody Michelle.
So, Peter left for Portsmouth - smoothing things out with his son ( a wee Bruno from Fame) with a bag of chips. I for one shall miss him, his lovely pea-coats, brooding eyes and the best smoking on telly ever. Bon Voyage, mon amour...
Sorry - I digress! The main story for me right now is poor old Steve McDonald. It seems the years of being the 'fun' bloke in the pub, the talkative taxi driver, good son and father have got to him.
In short, it seems that he can't please himself anymore, let alone anyone else...and has sunk into something of a depression.
Whilst I wouldn't normally do a 'serious' post on my blog - I think that Steve's portrayal is all to real (in my limited experience/opinion!). Perhaps especially in terms of men - trying to front things out, and not lose face - but a fair few women too. The silent denial to yourself that you cannot 'do' anymore...
The entrapment he feels: the uselessness, lethargy... doing daft things to try and feel better, but then immediately regretting them. All on a small scale - so they just seem thoughtless, selfish or stupid are all too real and recognisable.
Whilst I wouldn't normally do a 'serious' post on my blog - I think that Steve's portrayal is all to real (in my limited experience/opinion!). Perhaps especially in terms of men - trying to front things out, and not lose face - but a fair few women too. The silent denial to yourself that you cannot 'do' anymore...
The entrapment he feels: the uselessness, lethargy... doing daft things to try and feel better, but then immediately regretting them. All on a small scale - so they just seem thoughtless, selfish or stupid are all too real and recognisable.
I don't want this to turn into some sort of 'self-help' piece, but I think this story line and portrayal is being handled really well. Especially in showing that the frustration he feels with himself is constantly misconstrued or misunderstood and - in turn - infuriating everyone around him.
Now, I know I said I didn't want this to be a self-help piece - but, if you're feeling a bit crappy, or think someone you know is, there are places that can help:
Mind - http://www.mind.org.uk/
NHS 111 - http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/Emergencyandurgentcareservices/Pages/NHS-111.aspx
Mental Health Foundation - http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Samaritans - http://www.samaritans.org/
Your GP's surgery can also sometimes be a really good place to start. But just confiding and admitting that you are struggling, to anyone you feel comfortable with, whether they're a stranger or best mate/family member can really help. Likewise, if you are worried about someone and their behaviour - ask them if they are alright. It might be nothing, but on the other hand, it could mean the world to them.
Just don't let it fester...
Now, I know I said I didn't want this to be a self-help piece - but, if you're feeling a bit crappy, or think someone you know is, there are places that can help:
Mind - http://www.mind.org.uk/
NHS 111 - http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/Emergencyandurgentcareservices/Pages/NHS-111.aspx
Mental Health Foundation - http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Samaritans - http://www.samaritans.org/
Your GP's surgery can also sometimes be a really good place to start. But just confiding and admitting that you are struggling, to anyone you feel comfortable with, whether they're a stranger or best mate/family member can really help. Likewise, if you are worried about someone and their behaviour - ask them if they are alright. It might be nothing, but on the other hand, it could mean the world to them.
Just don't let it fester...
