Home and Away spoilers follow from Australian pace episodes, which some UK readers may prefer to avoid.
Things are going to get very tough for Home and Away's Martha Stewart, as the soap is set to air a new mental health storyline for the character.
Viewers may already know that Martha (Belinda Giblin) has suffered with her mental health in the past, but the soap is now set to explore her mental health issues on-screen following a recent storyline involving her secret son, Kieran.
Kieran (Rick Donald) and his mum recently reconnected, but their reunion was short-lived after he did a runner from Summer Bay when Roo and Alf discovered he was drinking again.
The confrontation saw Kieran trying to attack Alf (Ray Meagher), resulting in the police getting involved – however by the time they arrived, Kieran had left.
On Australian screens this week, Martha starts blaming Alf and Roo (Georgie Parker) for Kieran's disappearance, and she later appeals to Irene (Lynne McGranger) for help too, telling her that Roo and Alf are holding her prisoner and providing the first hint that something isn't right with Martha.
Related: Home and Away's Colby Thorne exit storyline sees him cut ties with Bella Nixon
Later, Martha sees Kieran again and her son apologises for hurting her, but when Alf and Roo spot Martha at that moment, she appears to be having a conversation with herself.
Soon it becomes obvious to viewers that Martha is experiencing delusions, and while Roo and Alf know that something is very wrong with Martha, they aren't sure what it is.
"Martha is spiralling, which is creating serious concerns about her mental health," Roo actress Georgie Parker explained to TV WEEK.
"Roo has been told of her mother's mental health challenges, but when she sees Martha talking animatedly to herself, she realises it's extremely serious and knows her mother needs professional help."
This is the first time Martha's mental health issues have really been tackled on screen, but will she get the help she needs before it's too late?
Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 (Australia). Selected classic episodes are available via Amazon Prime Video in the UK.
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.
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