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EastEnders Tackles Suicide Stigma Head-On
9 Apr
Summary
- Soap opera helps viewers seek support through storyline.
- Charity advised on accurate and sensitive portrayal.
- Show aims to reduce stigma around mental health issues.

A storyline on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, focusing on the character Ravi Gulati's contemplation of suicide, is being aired with guidance from the charity Samaritans. The narrative is set to depict Ravi reaching a critical point where his family steps in to ensure he receives necessary help.
Samaritans, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals in mental health crises, collaborated with EastEnders' producers. Their input was crucial for ensuring the storyline's accurate and sensitive depiction of self-harm and mental health struggles.
Executive producer Ben Wadey expressed gratitude for Samaritans' advice, emphasizing the care taken in researching Ravi's story. Lorna Fraser of Samaritans hopes the episodes will encourage viewers facing similar challenges to speak out and seek assistance, thereby combating stigma.
This initiative follows a previous EastEnders storyline involving Phil Mitchell's struggle with depression and psychosis, which was also praised by mental health charities for raising awareness about men's mental health and suicidal feelings.