Ian Beale became homeless due to a severe nervous breakdown he suffered in May 2012, triggered by his partner Mandy's departure.
The Trigger: Mandy's Departure
Ian's downward spiral began when Mandy, his then-partner, left him in May 2012. She realised she no longer loved him, which profoundly impacted Ian and led to his mental health crisis.
The Consequences: Nervous Breakdown and Disappearance
Following Mandy's abandonment, Ian experienced a nervous breakdown. This breakdown manifested as a complete withdrawal and disorientation. He simply wandered away from his home, dressed only in his pyjamas and without shoes, not informing anyone of his whereabouts.
Discovery at a Homeless Shelter
For two months, Ian remained missing, with his family unaware of his condition or location. He was eventually discovered at a homeless shelter by Lauren Branning. Lauren was working with homeless individuals at the time and recognised Ian, bringing his period of homelessness to an end.
This period marked a significant and difficult chapter in Ian Beale's life, highlighting the severe emotional and psychological impact of personal trauma.
