EastEnders spoilers: Mick Carter contemplates suicide as he recalls memories of child abuse
As Walford residents prepared to see in a new year, things couldn’t be more less celebratory at the Carter household.
Over the past few weeks, EastEnders viewers have witnessed Mick Carter struggle with non-recent abuse and he begins to crumble.
Mick (Danny Dyer) has been battling to cope with the scale of the situation and the mental impact it has on him.
Viewers have seen abuser Katy Lewis distorting Mick’s memories, convincing him that she was nothing but a friend and care worker to him.
During Thursday’s episode (December 31) we saw a flashback of Mick and Linda telling their family about the break-up of the marriage.
Then in another, Mick goes back to when he was a young boy and abuser Katy Lewis leads him into a bedroom before closing the curtains and the door.
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(Image: Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes/BBC)
He appears to finally accept what happened to him after weeks of torment, and as the new year arrived Mick admits the severity of what Katy did to him.
Mick Carter then hits rock bottom and considers taking his own life as he struggles to cope.
The BBC soap is working with the charity Samaritans on the storyline, with the team also working with NSCPP and SurvivorsUK.
EastEnders’ Executive Producer Jon Sen told of the plot: “This storyline is such a vital one for EastEnders to portray.
“We’ve worked closely with the NSPCC and Survivors UK since the inception of this story and as viewers have watched Mick struggle to come to terms with the truth of what happened to him as a child, we were determined to show the brutal reality and effects that abuse can cause.
“Working with the Samaritans has been invaluable to ensure that Mick’s story is true to life and they’ve been a huge support, offering guidance throughout the process.
“Danny gives an incredible performance and we hope his portrayal of Mick’s trauma will help dispel the stigma that survivors are often burdened with.”
You don’t have to suffer in silence if you’re struggling with your mental health. Here are some groups you can contact when you need help.
Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org, in confidence
Childline: Phone 0800 1111. Calls are free and won’t show up on your bill
PAPYRUS: A voluntary organisation supporting suicidal teens and young adults. Phone 0800 068 4141
Depression Alliance: A charity for people with depression. No helpline but offers useful resources and links to other information
Students Against Depression: A website for students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal. Click here to visit
Bullying UK: A website for both children and adults affected by bullying. Click here
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For young men who are feeling unhappy. Has a website and a helpline: 0800 58 58 58
Lorna Fraser, Samaritans’ Media Advice Service lead, added: “Suicide is not inevitable and just having someone there to listen, without judgement, can help save a life.
“We have been pleased to work with EastEnders giving expert advice on Mick Carter’s story, as it’s a chance to explore some of the issues surrounding suicide in a sensitive and considered way.
“Responsible storylines can help start important conversations and encourage people to reach out for help.
(Image: Kieron McCarron/BBC)
“We would encourage any viewers who have been touched by this storyline to contact Samaritans. You don’t have to have reached crisis point to get in touch, sometimes it’s just a case of needing to talk concerns or worries through. Whatever it may be, our amazing volunteers are always here to listen, day and night.
“People can call us confidentially and free of charge on 116123, email jo@samaritans.org or find the details for your local branch at www.samaritans.org.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
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