Eleanor Lawrence, the wife of Commander Joseph Lawrence in The Handmaid's Tale , struggled with deteriorating mental health and depression throughout Season 3. Her condition worsened due to the oppressive environment of Gilead and the stress of participating in resistance activities while off her medication

. In Season 3, episode 12 ("Sacrifice"), June discovers Eleanor overdosing on her medication in an apparent suicide attempt. June initially tries to help but ultimately hesitates and allows Eleanor to die, understanding that saving her would cause more harm, as Eleanor could inadvertently expose the resistance's plans due to her unstable state. June's decision is portrayed as an act of mercy and a strategic choice to protect the larger cause

. Eleanor's death is a significant turning point in the series. It acts as a catalyst for the resistance's successful plan to smuggle children out of Gilead, known as Angel's Flight, and deeply affects Commander Lawrence, who mourns her and is motivated to work toward reforming or dismantling the regime from within

. In summary, Eleanor died by suicide through a drug overdose, and June chose to let her die to prevent further suffering and protect the resistance's mission. Eleanor's tragic end highlights the personal toll of Gilead's tyranny, even on those in privileged positions