A forthcoming mental health storyline on BBC’s EastEnders, featuring Phil Mitchell’s battle with depression and psychosis, has been lauded by leading mental health charities, including Samaritans, for its sensitive and responsible portrayal of a mental health crisis.
The storyline sees Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) struggling with escalating loneliness and despair. Recent personal challenges include his ex-partner Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) beginning a relationship with his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), the collapse of his marriage to Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), and his son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) being imprisoned in the US. Phil’s isolation is compounded by the arrival of his childhood friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who has been diagnosed with early onset dementia.
As Phil withdraws from loved ones, his mental health deteriorates, with hallucinations and suicidal thoughts adding to his struggle.
Collaboration with Charities
The EastEnders production team worked with Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure the storyline authentically represents the complexities of mental health issues.
Lorna Fraser, head of Samaritans’ media advice service, praised the storyline, saying:
“The EastEnders team has done a great job capturing the reality of a mental health crisis. The nature of a soap makes it possible to present sensitive topics in uniquely engaging ways through characters audiences can relate to.”
She added, “We know men often struggle to open up and share how they are feeling, so it’s good to show the importance of checking in and lending a listening ear in this way.
A Story of Decline and Impact
Phil’s journey will highlight how depression and psychotic symptoms impact not only the individual but their family and community. This marks a new chapter for a character whose past battles with addiction, including alcoholism and drug abuse, have been central to his storyline.
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders’ executive producer, commented:
“Phil’s depression storyline will focus on his mental health decline and psychotic symptoms, as well as the reactions of those around him. Steve’s performance is extraordinary, thoughtfully portraying the complex realities of depression with compassion and understanding.”
Raising Awareness
Charities supporting the storyline hope it will spark meaningful conversations about mental health, particularly among men.
Kat Allin, associate director at Rethink Mental Illness, emphasized:
“Shame and confusion often push people into isolation when they need support the most. We hope Phil’s story resonates with viewers and encourages them to reach out before they reach a crisis point.”
Joe Levenson, head of media at Mind, added:
“Loneliness, depression, and suicide devastate lives, particularly among men. Storylines like Phil’s are needed more than ever to reflect these struggles and offer hope.”
Looking Ahead
The storyline will coincide with the 40th anniversary of EastEnders, featuring the return of Phil’s brother Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) after nearly a decade. The details of Grant’s return remain under wraps but are teased to be “explosive.”
Support Available
If you or someone you know is struggling, Samaritans provide confidential support 24/7. Call 116 123, visit samaritans.org, or email [email protected].
