EastEnders has worked with British mental health charity Mind on a new storyline that sees Albert Square resident Isaac Baptiste (Stevie Basaula) diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The BBC soap has said that Mind helped to "give an insight into the emotional and social experience of living with schizophrenia, particularly looking at attitudes towards mental health in African Caribbean communities".
The storyline coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, which runs until 16 May.
"This is close to my heart, to be telling Isaac's story is a privilege," said actor Basaula.
"I hope it will start a dialogue for people to have conversations about mental health and that anyone living with the condition will feel seen."
"Working with Mind has been so useful, I spoke to a young man who bravely shared his story and it was inspiring to learn how he's managing his condition," Basaula continued.
"There's so much we think we know about schizophrenia, but it's often not the reality for people living with the condition.
"I hope that anyone engaging with Isaac's story will gain a better understanding and can approach someone they know that may be struggling from a more positive place."
"Working with Mind has been imperative in ensuring we tell Isaac's story truthfully," said EastEnders' executive producer, Jon Sen.
"There's a multitude of layers to this storyline and Mind's expertise has been crucial as we explore Isaac's experience."
If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/support.
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
