EastEnders and Samaritans join forces as Ravi’s mental health reaches crisis point

BBC’s EastEnders have combined forces with mental health charity Samaritans as Ravi Gulati’s mental health storyline continues and reaches a climax later this month

EastEnders have announced that they have been working with mental health charity Samaritans on Ravi Gulati’s mental health storyline. The BBC soap revealed that the plot revolving around Ravi’s mental health will reach crisis point later in April.

Over the past few months, viewers have watched how Ravi (Aaron Thiara) struggled with his deteriorating mental health. After attacking his own son whilst under the influence of drugs he was slipped by Nicola and Harry Mitchell (Laura Doddington and Elijah Holloway), his mental health spiralled and Ravi began self-harming.

He eventually had a breakdown in a pharmacy after he was unable to get his son’s medication and took everyone in the shop hostage. His partner, Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Levy) has tried to get him some help by pushing him to talk to a doctor, but it hasn’t helped so far.

In one terrifying moment, Ravi also almost let Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) beat him to death after the latter figured out he was the mole in their drugs operation.

In the coming weeks, Ravi’s mental health will get worse. Feeling unable to protect his family and powerless, Ravi will reach “crisis point” and will consider taking his own life. EastEnders have been working with Samaritans to make sure the story is handled with care and sensitivity.

The soap’s producer, Ben Wadey, said: “EastEnders always takes great care when researching storylines such as Ravi’s and we’re grateful to Samaritans for the advice they have given us, helping us ensure Ravi’s story is told with the care and sensitivity it deserves.”

Lorna Fraser, the Head of Media Advisory Service at Samaritans, added: “Storylines responsibly reflecting experiences of mental health and suicide can help tackle stigma and encourage viewers who might be struggling to talk about how they are feeling.

“We’re proud to have supported EastEnders with covering Ravi’s self-harm and mental health crisis sensitively and grateful for their efforts in making this as safe as possible. We hope it helps anyone watching to seek support if they need it.”

Fans have been wondering if Ravi’s mental health storyline would end in death. After Priya learned of Ravi’s self-harm, viewers took to social media to theorise about whether a hidden detail in the show was foreshadowing Ravi’s death.

“This may just be just a sound error but did anyone else hear what sounded like a train breaking or just starting to move when Priya saw Ravi’s scars? I wonder if that was a hint to something he may try to do to himself.”

Another added that this particular sound has been used by EastEnders before, often before a mental health storyline is about to escalate. “They seem to be using the sound of trains as an audible queue for mental health recently. Seemed to start with Nigel in the episode with Pat, then when Ravi snapped in Monday’s episode and now when Priya notices how Ravi’s mental health has led to self-harm.”

Others agreed that Ravi’s storyline seemed to be heading towards becoming one about suicide. “Ravi is becoming increasingly more unhinged,” a fan wrote. “I still have a feeling they are hinting at a possible suicide storyline.” A second said: “Honestly Mark and Ravi are as bad as each other I wouldn’t be opposed to a murder suicide with them two.”

If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch