EastEnders spoilers follow.
Note: This article contains discussion of topics including suicide.
EastEnders’ Ravi Gulati begins to see some light at the end of the tunnel next week, as he seeks professional help after months of psychological trauma. Having been brought back from the brink after he almost took his own life, can Ravi finally find a way to process his pain?
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BBC
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“Ravi had a complete breakdown after the dramatic events of this week, including a horrific car crash,” reflects our EastEnders insider. “Now he’s been admitted to a mental health unit, Priya and the kids are praying Ravi can find some peace at last. But has too much damage already been done?”
Ravi’s descent into self-harm and destructive behaviour came to a horrifying head when he disappeared from the hospital after the crash. His loved ones managed to talk him down from the edge of a bridge, but he was devastated when he was then sectioned by the police.
Thankfully, Ravi is now safely in a mental health unit, but the struggles for him and his loved ones are far from over. Back on the Square, Priya is doing her best to keep the family from completely falling apart and carry on as best they can without Ravi.
Reeling from recent revelations about Nugget’s attack earlier this year, he and Avani are deeply concerned for their dad, so Priya desperately tries to reassure them he’s in the best place possible.
Meanwhile, in the unit, troubled Ravi reflects on what brought him there. Finally ready to open up about his turmoil, he speaks candidly to the doctor in an emotional one-to-one about everything he’s been through. Proud Ravi feels he failed at protecting his family, and as all his anxiety and remorse floods out, he starts to make sense of his condition…
BBC
BBC
Related: Why this one EastEnders character should be Ravi’s biggest ally in mental health story
“Ravi is formally diagnosed with complex PTSD,” reveals our source. “He begins therapy, and there’s hope he might be able to come through this. However, this is the first step on a long journey, and it’s not just Ravi who’s on it…”
The pressure of supporting Ravi also takes its toll on Priya. She has a lot of explaining to do as far as Max is concerned, after she stole a car from the lot – and caused the crash that involved him, Cindy and baby Jimmy.
Could unstable Ravi’s risky antics mean she has to fight for her job? And having already navigated numerous tough times, can fragile Ravi’s relationship with Priya survive all this stress?
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.