Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide that some readers may find upsetting.
EastEnders has announced that Bex Fowler is going to attempt to take her own life in an upcoming storyline.
Viewers will have seen her struggle in recent months, and will continue to do so in upcoming episodes. Lisa Fowler will realise something is wrong and try to get her to open up, but Bex will instead keep things bottled up until she tries to take her own life.
Following that, Bex will start to turn things around for the better and begin to reach out for help.
The BBC soap has worked with Samaritans to ensure the story is handled sensitively. The organisation's Lorna Fraser is quoted as saying: "Bex’s story highlights the potential consequences of not seeking help if you’re struggling to cope, and also the importance of starting a conversation if you think someone you know may be struggling.
"If you are worried about someone it’s alright to ask if they’re OK. For some it can be a huge relief to know that someone’s spotted they may be going through a difficult time.
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"As suicide rates in England and Wales rose in 2018 for the first time in five years, with an increase in deaths by young people and the suicide rate of women under 25 at a record high, it’s vital that we increase understanding of what can be done to prevent this."
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EastEnders' executive producer Jon Sen added: "We wanted to take Bex on a journey which accurately reflected the crises facing many young people today – many of whom, like Bex, struggle under the mounting pressures placed on teenagers today.
"Having worked closely with Samaritans, our wish is that by telling this story we can encourage others in Bex’s position to realise there’s always help and there’s always hope and we hope that others will be encouraged to start a conversation if they are worried about someone they know."
EastEnders airs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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