How accurate and helpful are the mental health symptoms of EastEnders tough-man Phil Mitchell?
**Content warning: Discussion of suicide**
EastEnders is one of the UK’s most popular TV shows, a soap opera1 which has been following the lives of its fictional characters for 40 years now. Across 7,000+ episodes, Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden) has become a well-known resident of the fictional London borough of Walford, appearing since 1990. Phil’s latest storyline documents his declining mental health2 relating to, among other things, the breakdown of his marriage and his son’s incarceration. Particular episodes in January and February 2025 saw a climax of these themes where Phil showed symptoms of both depression (e.g. low mood) and psychosis in the form of hallucinations (e.g. having conversations with people who are not there). We also see flashbacks to his childhood, the reactions of those around him (e.g. in response to his untidy house), and Phil accepting help from mental health professionals.
Psychotic depression3 is a mental disorder characterised by moderate or severe symptoms of depression occurring in parallel with symptoms of psychosis (i.e. a loss of contact with reality). In writing this storyline, producers worked closely with several UK mental health charities including Samaritans4, Rethink Mental Illness5, and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)6. Together, they aimed to reduce stigma and encourage conversation by showing how mental health problems can affect anyone at any time, including a notoriously strong and tough character like Phil, and also that there is no shame in seeking help.
As a long-running, familiar character, this storyline also hoped to provide audiences with an accurate and sensitive depiction of mental health symptoms over time, helping viewers to recognise symptoms in others and check-in and listen to friends and relatives5. Fans of the show on Reddit illustrate how these depictions have indeed encouraged7 conversation8, reduced stigma9, and accurately related to their lived experiences of mental health problems10. In addition, one mental health charity11 saw an increase in calls made to their helplines following the airing of these episodes, with some viewers reaching out for the first time. This charity concluded that “When media platforms handle mental health storylines with care, compassion, and consultation, the results can be extraordinary”. In addition, Samaritans maintain that Phil’s mental health symptoms were captured in a “safe and responsible way”2. Others, however, offer mixed reviews, particularly of the depictions of psychiatric care12 and interventions to help Phil13.
Nonetheless, in September 2025, Steve McFadden, the actor who plays Phil Mitchell, was awarded a national Television Award for Outstanding Serial Drama Performance and his performance was praised by fans12 and charities:
Steve’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary and has thoughtfully portrayed the complex realties of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.
– Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer at EastEnders2
EastEnders has always done a great job at shining a light on important issues through the stories they choose to explore […] Talking about suicide and bringing these stories onto our TV screens helps to break down the stigma surrounding it, which will ultimately save lives
– Wendy Robinson, Director of Services at CALM2
On-screen fictional portrayals can drastically shift how we think, feel, and behave in relation to our mental health. […]. Loneliness, depression, and suicide are all devastating, and we know the figures of those affected in the UK are huge, particularly among men. We sadly need storylines like Phil’s now more than ever.
– Joe Levenson, Head of Media at Mind2
The EastEnders team has done an excellent job capturing the reality of a mental health crisis for a middle-aged man, especially one known to audiences for his ‘tough’ exterior.
– Samaritans4
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