We’re proud to have helped inform Phil’s story, as well as Mick’s 2020 storyline featuring a phone call with Samaritans.
As EastEnders celebrated its 40th anniversary this February, one storyline focused on Walford stalwart, Phil Mitchell, and his battle with depression.
The EastEnders team has done an excellent job capturing the reality of a mental health crisis for a middle-aged man, especially one known to audiences for his 'tough' exterior. We're incredibly proud to have worked with them to help shape Phil's storyline, as well as many others, including Mick Carter’s 2020 storyline where he called Samaritans.
The nature of a soap makes it possible to present sensitive topics, including suicide, in uniquely engaging ways through characters audiences can relate to - which can prompt potentially lifesaving conversations.
While sensitive depictions can inform and educate people about suicide and the signs to look out for, international research evidence has shown that covering suicide in the media can influence people's behaviour and decision making when struggling to cope. This is why it is so important that soaps and dramas consult with experts in suicide portrayals when creating storylines.
The importance of storylines like Phil's is showing audiences the reality of what it's like for somebody going through struggles with their mental health, and showing the value of reaching out to them and starting those really important conversations.
Lorna Fraser, Samaritans Media Advice Service
Suicide is not inevitable and just having someone there to listen, without judgement, can help save a life.
We hope anyone who identifies with Phil’s struggles will feel able to reach out to talk about what they’re going through.
Anyone can call us for free on 116 123 anytime
Samaritans’ media guidelines for reporting suicide
The first edition of our Media Guidelines was created in 1994 - Samaritans was one of the first organisations in the world to publish guidelines like this. International research shows links between media coverage of suicide and suicidal behavior - there are increases and falls in suicide rates depending on how the topic is covered.