Preventing perinatal suicide “should be a priority for governments and all professionals working with families,” according to an article published this month in the British Medical Journal.
The BMJ editorial, titled ‘Rising rates of perinatal suicide’ says perinatal suicide is a global problem and one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the UK and other European countries.
It cites data from the UK Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths for 2018-20 which shows that in 2020, women were three times more likely to die from suicide in the year following childbirth than they were in 2017-19.
The editorial, authored by researchers including Kaat De Backer, said the women who died faced multiple adversities such as substance misuse, mental ill-health, domestic violence and abuse and the loss of their child.
It said: “The call to make perinatal mental health ‘everyone’s business’ is more pressing than ever. Rapid identification and appropriate service provision for mothers with severe mental illness or facing multiple adversities is critical.
“All healthcare professionals working with families have a role to play, taking a holistic approach to tackle the risk factors for maternal suicide.
“Policy makers and governments must prioritise and fund healthcare services and support for women and young families to eradicate the root causes of perinatal suicide.”