Dad Matters & Paternal Suicide in the 1001 Critical Days

Why this matters
Fatherhood during pregnancy and up to a baby’s second birthday - known as the 1001 Critical Days - is a time of profound change. It’s a period when fathers’ mental health is deeply tied to child development, family wellbeing, and long-term outcomes. Understanding risks and offering support during these early days can be life-saving.

New Evidence: The Study
A recent UK study by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation (in partnership with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Research) has for the first time measured rates of paternal suicide in this period (from pregnancy to age 2).

• Between 2002-2021 in Wales, 107 fathers died by suicide during the 1001 Critical Days. 1001 Critical Days Foundation

• First-time fathers had a higher rate (approx. 15.7 per 100,000) than the overall fathers’ rate (12.4 per 100,000) during this period. 1001 Critical Days Foundation

• Fathers in the most deprived areas had about twice the suicide rate of those in the least deprived areas. 1001 Critical Days Foundation

The findings point out that parenthood can carry risk, especially in certain groups, but also that many of these deaths could be prevented with timely interventions. 1001 Critical Days Foundation

How Dad Matters Is Responding
Our own evaluation of Dad Matters (2017-2025) shows how peer support, outreach, and father-inclusive services can make a difference. By supporting fathers to form strong bonds with their babies, improving wellbeing, and equipping healthcare and community professionals to engage dads, we create opportunities to intervene early.

In relation to suicide risk, Dad Matters is committed to:

• Ensuring fathers feel seen and offered mental health support from pregnancy onwards.

• Targeting support particularly for first-time fathers and those in deprived communities.

• Partnering with health services to embed routine screening, referral pathways, and peer-led support that recognise fathers’ mental health.

What You Can Do / How You Can Help

• Read the full Paternal Suicide in the 1001 Critical Days report to understand the data and recommendations.

• Help us push for policies that include fathers in perinatal mental health planning and surveillance.

• Share this resource - awareness is a critical first step.

Download the 1001 Critical Days Study

Explore the Dad Matters Impact Report

cited - Amanda Marchant, Marcos Delpozobanos Nancy Meligy, Kim Dienes, Kate Ellis-Davies, Ann John. Paternal suicide in the 1001 Critical Days from pregnancy. 2025. National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Research.