Home and Away spoilers: Ben has an emotional breakdown...

(Image credit: Channel 5)

After Ben's angry outburst on Home and Away, it becomes clear the troubled dad is struggling to keep it together when he breaks down...

Maggie Astoni (played by Kestie Morassi) and her daughter Ziggy (Sophie Dillman) are still reeling from the angry outburst of Maggie's troubled husband Ben (Rohan Nichol) on Home and Away.

The women thought Ben just needed a bit of tough love to encourage him to get his act together and get back out into the world again, following the closure of his surf board business, Ben's Boards.

However, it seems there's something more serious going on with Ben. And after a heart-to-heart with family friend Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), Maggie starts to realise her husband may have sunk into depression...

Home and Away, Maggie Astoni — Maggie begins to realise husband Ben may be battling depression on Home and Away... (Picture: Channel 5)

Maggie, Ziggy, Alf and John Palmer (Shane Withington) all do their best to try and encourage Ben, and for a while it seems like he's turning things around.

But in private, Ben is a broken man as he pulls a vanishing act and breaks down crying in private...

Home and Away, Ryder Jackson, Raffy Morrison — Raffy was crushed when boyfriend Ryder broke-up with her on Home and Away. (Picture: Channel 5)

Meanwhile, Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) is still trying to find out what's going on with his ex-girlfriend Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) after she failed to show at school for their latest exam.

After overhearing a conversation between Raffy's brother Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger) and John, he discovers Raffy is freaking out because her CBD trial has been shut down. Without the help of the medicinal cannabis to control her epilepsy, Raffy fears she'll have more seizures and is super-stressed out about sitting her exams.

But when Ryder tries to show his support to Raffy, he's in for a rude awakening by her angry attitude.

Home and Away, Irene Roberts, Bella Nixon — There's bad news for Irene when she hears she'll soon be due in court on Home and Away... (Picture: Channel 5)

Elsewhere, Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller) has been supporting friend Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) since the awful turn of events when Irene violently lashed out at Bella's online stalker, Tommy.

But Irene has been putting on a brave face for Bella, who is still trying to deal with the aftermath of Tommy's attempted sexual assault. So how will troubled Bella react when she finds out Irene is due in court in a few weeks because of her actions and could face possible prison time...

Home and Away continues weekdays at 1:15pm and 6:00pm on Channel 5

Simon has long been a fan of soap operas, and especially loves OVER-THE-TOP plots involving evil twins, hair-pulling catfights and natural disasters. Anyone remember the Sunset Beach earthquake/tidal wave? Or when Krystle Carrington got locked in the attic and replaced by look-a-like Rita in Dynasty?!

Simon has written for a variety of TV and childrens’ magazines/websites including Inside Soap, Nickelodeon, What’s On TV, Radio Times, Metro, Girl Talk, Disney Girl, Toxic! and Digital Spy. He has reported LIVE from the red carpet at The British Soap Awards interviewing glammed-up stars from soapland, and hosted a Facebook LIVE session for Metro with Home and Away legend Ray Meagher (Alf "Stone the flamin' crows!" Stewart) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Aussie soap.