Samaritans hopes EastEnders mental health storyline will ‘help tackle stigma’

Charity Samaritans has said it hopes a storyline it helped create on EastEnders will “help tackle stigma” around people suffering with their mental health.

The BBC soap is currently showing Ravi Gulati, played by Aaron Thiara, considering suicide, with the story set to climax later this month when he reaches a crisis point and his family get him the help he needs.

Samaritans, which supports people going through mental health crises, was called in by EastEnders’ producers to ensure the story was told accurately and sensitively.

Executive producer Ben Wadey said: “EastEnders always takes great care when researching storylines such as Ravi’s and we’re grateful to Samaritans for the advice they have given us, helping us ensure Ravi’s story is told with the care and sensitivity it deserves.”

Lorna Fraser, head of the Media Advisory Service at Samaritans, said she hoped the episodes would help viewers experiencing similar issues to seek support.

She said: “Storylines responsibly reflecting experiences of mental health and suicide can help tackle stigma and encourage viewers who might be struggling to talk about how they are feeling.

“We’re proud to have supported EastEnders with covering Ravi’s self-harm and mental health crisis sensitively and grateful for their efforts in making this as safe as possible.”

Last year, EastEnders was praised by the charity for its handling of a story which saw Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden, attempt to take his own life as his depression and psychosis symptoms spiralled.

It was also praised by mental health charity Mind, which said the story helped “build a greater understanding of what it’s like for men experiencing suicidal feelings and reaching a crisis point for their mental health”.

– Samaritans is available on 116 123 or at samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ or email jo@samaritans.org.