EASTENDERS broadcast harrowing scenes as Phil Mitchell made a devastating choice to attempt to end his own life amid his secret depression battle.
The BBC soap opera has seen the Walford hardman become increasingly isolated and alone over the past few months.
EastEnders aired harrowing scenes as Phil Mitchell attempted to commit suicide[/caption]
An awful fall after the attempt saw him lay lifeless on the garage floor[/caption]
Phil, played by Steve McFadden, has been living alone since the breakdown of his marriage to Kat Slater.
His son Ben was also jailed in the US with daughter Louise having left London many years prior.
It has seen him without any family by his side for the first time and has caused him a deep internal struggle which he has kept hidden from those once closest to him.
In the latest episode of the show, Phil was clearly emotional as he struggled to speak during a pub outing with Nigel Bates and his two friends.
When one of Nigel’s friends brands him a “sad sod” and claimed she can see his inner sadness, Phil became tearful and smashed his glass into smithereens with his own bare hands.
He later headed to The Archers where he found himself getting inside one of the customer’s cars.
Clearly still emotional, Phil was seen fighting tears as he appeared consumed with worrying thoughts.
In a tragic move, he opted to turn on the ignition and let the car fill itself with smoke and fumes whilst he was inside the vehicle.
Eventually, Phil began to violently cough and splutter after inhaling a copious amount of smoke.
He managed to open the car door as he stumbled out of the car fighting to catch his breath.
Disorientated and gasping for air, Phil then took a terrifying tumble which saw his entire body plummet through the pit in the garage.
Phil’s body could then be seen lifeless on the ground after the scary accident amid his worrying suicide attempt.
The tough to watch scenes left fans deeply moved and emotional as one wrote on X: “Tonight’s final scene in #EastEnders was absolutely heartbreaking.”
Another added: “Seeing Phil Mitchell like this is making me so sad.”
A third then wrote: “I just want to give Phil a hug.”
Before a fourth wrote: “Jesus Christ, hard watch.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
Help for mental health
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.
The following are free to contact and confidential:
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123, jo@samartiands.org.uk
- CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Shout (for support of all mental health) www.giveusashout.org/get-help/, text 85258 to start a conversation
Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.
Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Phil stumbled out of the vehicle[/caption]
Fans branded the episode a “hard watch”[/caption]
