EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s episode (March 20), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV.
Note: This article contains discussion of suicide.
EastEnders has aired a special mental health episode focused on Phil Mitchell, with a poignant ending.
This week, Lexi finally discovered the truth about where her grandad is, after a confusing interaction with Nigel, whose dementia continues to worsen.
Phil’s loved ones decided to pay him a visit in the mental health unit, but when they arrived, they were told that he had discharged himself that morning.
Related: Best streaming services
What to Read Next
Today’s special episode went back in time, giving viewers an insight into Phil’s month spent in the unit following his suicide attempt.
Phil at first struggled to adapt to his new environment and refused to buy into the unit’s activities and therapy sessions, convinced that he would be ‘fixed’ with medication alone.
But he then met fellow patient Gaz, and while he was initially reluctant to chat, the pair struck up a friendship and Phil began to open up to his new mate.
Phil spoke about his dad and the pressure of being a ‘man’ for his family – and he confessed that before he tried to take his own life, he realised that he had never stopped loving Sharon.
Related: EastEnders announces extra episode for show legend's storyline
Gaz was told that he was being discharged from the unit, but he wasn’t happy about this, as unlike Phil, he has no support from family and friends.
The next day, Phil made the devastating discover that Gaz had harmed himself using the beer can he had given him. He quickly told the staff, who were fortunately able to save his friend’s life.
Phil berated support worker Yasmin for not finding Gaz earlier, but the pair later had an emotional conversation where he admitted he didn’t want his family to see him in a vulnerable state.
Related: EastEnders confirms horrifying ordeal for Avani in new drugs story
Yasmin’s advice struck a chord, so Phil began to engage in the therapy sessions and eventually decided he was ready to be discharged – bringing viewers back to the present day.
As Nigel, Linda, Billy, Lexi worried about Phil, Yasmin’s insight meant that they found him at his dad Eric’s grave, having already left flowers and a picture on Peggy’s headstone.
Phil resolved not to end up like Eric and reunited with his loved ones. He promised Nigel that they would help one another through their struggles, and Julia’s Theme played as he began to look to the future.
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
