Plus they're always happy to let people stay over for months on end, sharing meals etc and they take on extra children at the drop of a hat.

No, thanks.

Go to any poor town and you'll see that the streets are lined with tanning parlours, hairdressers, bookies and pubs. The town I live in is full of them.People do without other things, or they spend money they don't have, because these things cheer them up and make them feel a bit better. Also, if you ARE working full time and living within your means you often can afford the odd treat, unless you're very got a huge mortgage or rent. Spending all night every night in the pub s a different thing and buying all of your meals out is different. Plus soaps have a mix of characters, many with good incomes or even affluent types.

Out of curiosity, do the tanning salons by law have to limit your time or have signs posted about the danger of possible skin cancer by prolonged exposure under the rays.

I don't how the parlours do it but certainly one of the people I know who goes seems very knowledgeable. I would think they have to publish some information, if not out of a sense of duty then to cover their public liability insurance?

I have a tan the whole year round due to the Doctor-monitored phototherapy i receive for a chronic skin disease. People either tell me that my tan is great, or they tell me that I'm a fool to use sun beds.

Since I was diagnosed and stared treatment, I never judge anyone on their tan, because you never know what that tan might be preventing.

Do you get the ones with added Vitamin D? I' ve thought about them to help combat depression.

I've never heard of phototherapy so I will certainly remember that now when I think I'm in danger of judging.

Sorry Bean ☺️

It's the male cast members who are the worst offenders....David from Corrie, anyone?!

Do you have any idea or ever had a diagnosis of what brings it on?

I hope you didn't take offence at my questions. There's a war going on right now for our mental health. It's effecting the lives in our homes and familys. Neighbours and friends. It's in our workplaces and streets. You used the right word when you said combat. We have to use every weapon at our disposal to fight it. If we could change apathy to caring and kindness it would be a start. Alertness to certain signs that indicate all is not well. I'm sure there are other people on the forum who have similar and more ideas to help in the fight we can't afford to lose. Stay safe. Take care of yourself.

Sharon and Lauren look like they've been tangoed.

A lot of us on here have mental health problems, myself included. I live alone. I'm estranged from my family and they don't know anything about it. Thankfully I have amazing friends, great work colleagues and most importantly medics who listen to and help me.

Not at allI have OCD and severe anxiety, so my anxiety levels trigger depression. For me, I think it's partly something I was born with ( there's a strong possibility I have Asperger's which develops in the womb - but I'm awaiting diagnosis so I'm not sure). There' s also a family history of poor mental health,. I completely agree that it does get overlooked and services, excellent though they are,are very stretched ( as they are for most health conditions). I' m a big believer in talking honestly about it - when you do you normally find everyone has a relative or friend with a mental health problem. I also think there has to be a holistic approach to coping with it - it' s not just medication and therapy but other things such as art, community, religion, exercise, fresh air, and diet which can also contribute to good mental wellbeing. That' s why I was curious about the vitamin D in fake tan as well. Scotland in particular gets such low sunlight levels, even in summer - it' s beginning to be recognised as a health issue. I' ve seen some of these places advertising that they add Vitamin D to their products. I' d be interested to know what experts think of this.

That' s why I don't judge people, fictional or otherwise , for using fake tan, or going to a cafe,, even if they' re skint. If it gives them a psychological boost, gets them out of the house and seeing other people and makes them feel a bit more able to cope with life it's s ok by me as long as it doesn't go to extremes!

That's a fact about weather conditions. Long dark cold winters can take a toll. That why there's a mass exodus during March school break to sunny climates. The kids need it as well as adults. Unfortunately not everyone has the money for winter getaways so whatever it takes to make life brighter is worth trying. Good outlook you have. It may be a help to others. Keep an open mind and explore all avenues.

You're lucky to be in such good hands. That's what it takes. Helping hands and kindness. No apathy. There's too much of it. It one of the worst enemies. Good to hear you're doing well surrounded by good people. Stay safe. Take care of yourself.

I think Sharon bathes in Ronseal

Never mind the tans, it is the blatantly professionally whitened and perfectly straight Hollywood smile teeth that make me laugh. At least fake tan is more affordable for most than cosmetic dentistry.

Ex vicar Billy must miss his collar, he always had it white and starched to match and complement his teeth.