Groundbreaking research by Swansea University, commissioned by the newly launched 1001 Critical Days Foundation, has revealed two to three babies lose their fathers to suicide every week across the UK.
Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, this world-first study, which uses data based on findings in Wales, highlights an overlooked crisis in paternal mental health.
The 1001 Critical Days Foundation is a new charity founded by the Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom. Its mission is to ensure every baby receives the support needed to help them experience the best start in life through the funding of frontline charities, the commissioning of research, and through advocating across the world for the 1001 critical days – the period from conception to two years old.
The six-month study led by Professor Ann John of Swansea University, Director of the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Research, alongside co-investigators Dr Kate Ellis-Davies and Dr Kim Dienes from Swansea University’s School of Psychology, analysed Welsh national health records, mortality data and mental health service use via the SAIL Databank.
On the study’s findings, Professor John said: “Although we found that fathers during pregnancy and early parenthood had lower rates of suicide that other males, we do think this a critical time for intervention and father inclusive services for perinatal mental health. We often run campaigns asking men to seek help for their mental health but we could be much more proactive in offering support at those keys times of transition when they are in contact with services.
“8-13% of fathers are thought to experience depression during pregnancy and early parenthood, there is currently no national system to track or categorise paternal suicide, unlike maternal mortality, which is routinely measured. This gap limits both awareness and targeted support.
“Over the past 22 years, the data from Wales reveals that seven times as many dads have died by suicide as mums during the 1001 critical days. This inequality reflects differences we see in suicide in men and women in the general population. Suicide is potentially preventable but in this group of men we need pathways, from self-care resources to specialist perinatal mental health services, to be available and tailored to dads as well as mums.
“Our research not only establishes baseline rates in Wales but could also inform screening, early intervention and policymaking to better support parents and babies during the critical first 1001 days of a baby’s life.”
The research not only reveals a truly devastating situation for each of the families impacted by loss due to paternal suicide but also highlights how the costs could be better spent on prevention. The total socio-economic cost across the UK is approximately £217m every year. Fathers are currently excluded from specialist perinatal mental health services, which are only available to mums.
Speaking at the launch of the charity, Dame Andrea said: “The science is stark - the experiences of a baby during the period from pregnancy to age two form the building blocks for their lifelong emotional and physical health. My own experience of postnatal depression showed me how tough those early days can be and how vital it is to support mums, dads and carers.
“Suicide remains the leading cause of maternal death, but paternal suicide isn't even measured. That has to change. The research we have funded at Swansea University will shine a light on this hidden crisis and help policymakers find the right interventions to save lives.”
The charity has awarded a £1m grant to Home-Start UK to establish the Dad Matters programme nationally.