Working with Mind on Lee's Mental Health Storyline

Kat hit rock bottom and attempt to take her own life – with only Alfie’s timely intervention thankfully preventing a terrible fate for her. To fully understand how those struggling to cope with life reach the point where suicide appears to be the only option, Fiona Malcolm, deputy chief executive of Samaritans, takes up the story.

Lee will start to lose focus and begin to struggle to cope with everyday life. Over the coming weeks, viewers will start to notice him battling with his emotions and after some pressure from Nancy, he finally comes clean to her. However, concerned he will worry his parents, Lee decides he is going to keep his feelings from them for fear of 'rocking the boat'.

“This is not a subject that only a handful of people can relate to," revealed Danny-Boy Hatchard. "It’s something that at some point most people in their lives will experience on different levels.”

EastEnders always stives to deal with social issues as accurately as possible, and consult various charities in order to accurately reflect illnesses depicted in the show.

A spokesperson from Mind added: “We have a long history of working with the EastEnders and are grateful that they are keen once again to tackle mental health in front of such a large audience. Mental health problems are very common - affecting around one in four people - and depression is one of the most common conditions.

"For some viewers, a dramatic portrayal is the first time they may be exposed to mental health problems and when done well, soaps can be a tremendous tool in raising awareness, challenging attitudes and helping to dispel myths. In research we carried out last year we even discovered that 25% of respondents had sought professional help for their own mental health after seeing a soap character with similar issues.”