Tonight’s episode of EastEnders (Thursday, March 20) was a rather special one that focused on Phil Mitchell’s stay in the mental health unit.
The episode solely focused on Phil’s four week stay, receiving support for his depression.
Here’s why we think tonight’s episode was beautifully done and conveyed a really important message.
Phil discharged himself at the end of the four weeks (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders: Phil Mitchell special mental health episode
Tonight’s episode of EastEnders picked up right from the point where Phil agreed to get support during the 40th week after trying to end his own life.
The episode showed Phil’s journey from Day One in the mental health unit up until the present day.
His initial reaction to going to the unit was one of anger and frustration. Phil refused to get involved with group therapy activities and isolated himself in his room.
After days of not showering or speaking to others, by Day 14 Phil started to make a friend in Gaz who suffered from complex trauma.
Unfortunately, Phil offered his new friend a can of beer which later led to an incident. Phil’s mental health support worker then helped him see that he needed to get better for himself and that sometimes, no matter how hard others try to help, the only one who can save you is yourself.
With Phil starting to participate in art therapy, he decided to discharge himself and head back to Walford. Nigel, Billy, Linda and Lexi all then found him at Eric Mitchell’s grave after hearing that he’d left the mental health unit.
Beautifully done (Credit: BBC)
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