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More support needed for fathers in perinatal period

A leading campaigner for father’s mental health has launched a report of his findings of the past ten years, which highlights 25 key proposals for change.
Campaigner Mark Williams says fathers needs support during the perinatal health period, as well as mothers
Campaigner Mark Williams says fathers needs support during the perinatal health period, as well as mothers

Mark Williams’ report, Fathers Reaching Out: Why Dads Matter, aims to raise awareness of the issues surrounding paternal mental ill health and to push members of Parliament, the Department of Health and Social Care and Commissioners to a call of ‘urgent action’.

He told Nursery World, ‘It cannot be emphasised enough that the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK is suicide. Studies have shown that fathers with mental health problems during the perinatal period are up to 47 times more likely to be classed as a suicide risk than at any other time in their lives.

‘As research increases around paternal mental health, we feel that we have sufficient evidence to lead to a change in policies and protocols by the World Health Organisation to include fathers’ mental health. We want the WHO Commissioners to understand the importance of “Think Family”, to include and support all parents during the perinatal period.’

He added, ‘Also, to acknowledge that dads struggle as well as mums during this time. Many men have a past history of anxiety, depression and trauma before becoming a parent and by supporting all parents it has a far better outcomes for everyone including the development of the child.’

Although it is still early days, Mr Williams, who is the founder of Fathers’ Reaching Out, said there is ‘anecdotal evidence’ that the Covid-19 pandemic, and the resultant limitations imposed on ‘normal life’, have made paternal postnatal depression worse.

In January 2019, NHS England announced that, for the very first time, some fathers would now be screened for their mental health if the partner has postnatal depression.

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