EastEnders to air mental health storyline for Phil Mitchell

Published: January 21, 2025 — EastEnders is working on a mental health storyline that will see Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) attempt to take his own life whilst experiencing depression with psychotic symptoms.

Having withdrawn from his family and friends in recent months following Sharon’s newfound relationship with his cousin Teddy, the breakdown of his marriage to Kat, and Ben’s incarceration in America, viewers will continue to see Phil’s mental health decline as he attempts to hide his depression from those around him.

The storyline will follow Phil, and the characters closest to him, as Phil’s depression takes hold and his psychotic symptoms intensify, with the character experiencing hallucinations at the crisis point where he starts to believe his life is no longer worth living.

EastEnders is working closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil’s story is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.

EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw says: “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.”

Lorna Fraser, Head of Samaritans’ Media Advice Service, says: “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.”

Kat Allin, Associate Director of Media & Campaigns at Rethink Mental Illness, says: “Phil’s story serves as a powerful reminder that mental illness can affect anyone, highlighting how hard it can be to understand and cope with what’s happening. Shame and confusion often push people into isolation at a time when they need support the most. Our hope is that Phil’s story will resonate with viewers and spark meaningful conversations in homes across the country, encouraging people to rethink their perceptions of mental illness, recognise the signs that someone might be struggling, and the importance of seeking help early – before someone reaches crisis point.”

Wendy Robinson, Director of Services at Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), says: “EastEnders has always done a great job at shining a light on important issues through the stories they choose to explore, and we’ve been really pleased to support them in presenting this one in a safe and responsible way. Talking about suicide and bringing these stories onto our TV screens helps to break down the stigma surrounding it, which will ultimately save lives.”

Joe Levenson, Head of Media at Mind, says: “On-screen fictional portrayals can drastically shift how we think, feel, and behave in relation to our mental health. Through our media advisory service, we have worked closely with the EastEnders team. Over this period, we provided extensive feedback 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.”