Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide that some readers may find upsetting.
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks has aired a powerful episode dealing with Kyle Kelly and Darren Osborne's depression.
In recent weeks, Kyle (Adam Rickitt) has become a secret support system for Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson) while the latter struggled with depression, though Kyle has also been suffering in silence.
In Monday's (April 13), Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox) sprung an unwanted surprise on Kyle by bringing his parents to the village for a visit — forcing them all to sit through a night of uncomfortable conversation.
Kyle excused himself without his phone at the same time as Darren tried to reach him to tell him he was in a very dark place, sitting alone with all of the lights off at home.
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Nancy was meanwhile trying to cover Kyle's absence by inviting Marnie, Misbah and Leela to join her with the in-laws, until Kyle returned smelling of marijuana.
At the same time, Darren left his own home to wander into the village with a bag packed — with Kyle eventually realising that he'd missed seven phone calls from his friend.
Kyle once again raced out of The Hutch and used a tracking app to find Darren sitting on the top of a building. When Kyle desperately called out to him, Darren turned to see him and explained his grief.
"It's not the same anymore. I just feel absolutely nothing at all," he shared, before realising: "The kids. Their little faces, that's what stopped me. They need their dad."
Kyle then opened up to Darren about his own history with depression, revealing that he'd actually been in rehab as a teenager for trying to take his own life.
Having found common ground once again, the two tried to soldier on once again by heading back into the village. Kyle was read the riot act by Nancy again, as she admitted she couldn't put faith in their future if she wasn't able to count on him.
Now sinking further into his depression, Kyle turned to local dealer Jordan to ask for even stronger drugs to cope with his despair.
Hollyoaks airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look episodes airing on E4 at 7pm. Wednesdays through Fridays on E4 will feature classic episodes called Hollyoaks Favourites to compensate for the soap suspending filming.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
For more on drug addiction and dependency, including information and support, please visit FRANK or Action on Addiction.
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