A mental health storyline on EastEnders that will see Phil Mitchell attempt to take his own life as his depression and psychosis symptoms spiral has been praised by the charity Samaritans for being a “safe and responsible” portrayal.
Phil, played by Steve McFadden, has been struggling with loneliness in recent months following his former partner Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) starting a relationship with his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), and the end of his marriage Kathleen “Kat” Slater (Jessie Wallace).
As he withdraws from friends and family, he has seen the re-entry of his childhood friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) – who has early onset dementia – to Albert Square recently, while also dealing with his son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) being in prison in the US since last year.
EastEnders, whose producers have worked with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), and Mind on the future episodes with Phil, will show how the character’s depression and symptoms of psychosis intensify, with him experiencing hallucinations before feeling that his life is not worth living.
Lorna Fraser, head of Samaritans’ media advice service, said: “The EastEnders team has done a great job capturing the reality of a mental health crisis, and we were delighted to help them tell Phil’s story in a safe and responsible way.
“The nature of a soap makes it possible to present sensitive topics in uniquely engaging ways through characters audiences can relate to.
“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.”
On the BBC soap, Phil previously nearly died because of his alcoholism, which resulted in liver failure. He was part of “Sharongate” – his affair with his brother Grant’s (Ross Kemp) then wife Sharon, and dealt with a crack cocaine addiction.
The new depression storyline will also showcase the effect his mental health has on his family.
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Phil’s depression storyline will focus on his decline in mental health and the subsequent psychotic symptoms, and the reaction of those around him, as we hope to demonstrate how mental health can affect anyone at any time.
“Steve’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary and has thoughtfully portrayed the complex realties of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.”
This year will also be the 40th anniversary of the soap and see the return of Phil’s brother Grant after a nearly 10-year absence.
The reason he has returned is being kept a secret, but is teased as being “explosive”.
Kat Allin, associate director of media and campaigns at Rethink Mental Illness, said “shame and confusion often push people into isolation at a time when they need support the most”.
The charity hopes “Phil’s story will resonate with viewers and spark meaningful conversations in homes across the country” prior to someone reaching “crisis point”, she added.
Joe Levenson, head of media at Mind, said: “We provided extensive feedback to (EastEnders to) help build a greater understanding of what it’s like for men experiencing suicidal feelings and reaching a crisis point for their mental health.
“Loneliness, depression and suicide are all devastating, and we know the figures of those affected in the UK are huge, particularly among men.
“We sadly need storylines like Phil’s now more than ever.”
– Samaritans are available on 116 123 or at samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ or email jo@samaritans.org.
