They seemed, in this photograph, to be the perfect family.

On the surface, and to all those who knew them, Richard and Clair Smith and their children, nine-year-old Ben and 13-month-old Aaron, fit the mould of happy parents and children.

But no-one knows what goes on behind closed doors, and the discovery of the family over the weekend in circumstances which appear to suggest Richard took his own life after stabbing his wife and children, have left many in disbelief.

The family were discovered lying next to each other on the bed in the main bedroom of their detached home in Sheridan Way, Pudsey, after family members raised concerns with the police after not seeing them for a couple of days.

The arrival of the scientific support unit in the cordoned off cul-de-sac alerted locals that something was desperately wrong.

Initially it was thought the family may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Mr Smith died from smoke inhalation. It is thought he started a fire in the bedroom.

As details began to emerge, floral tributes started arriving, many visitors in stunned disbelief at what they’d learned.

Investigations are continuing to piece together the circumstances that could possibly prompt an adoring father to take his own and his family’s lives.

In a separate incident only days before the Pudsey case, former police inspector Toby Day is thought to have stabbed his wife and young daughter and attacked his two other children before taking his own life.

The question on everybody’s lips is why? What leads apparently happy parents – and fathers in particular – to such desperate and horrific acts? The general feeling appears to be that depression and unhappiness can trigger people’s feelings – particularly at this time of year – into extreme acts.

Simon Gelsthorpe, head of psychological therapies at Bradford District Care Trust, says: “This year, probably more than any other year at Christmas time, finances and economy are playing a part. People are thinking about whether they have got enough money to spend at Christmas time,” he says.

“We seem to be greeted everyday by places that are going to close, people who are going to lose their jobs, so at the moment the economy will be leaving people feeling much less secure, and so they are likely to be more worried if they don’t know exactly what the future holds.”

Uncertainty can lead to worry and anxiety. There is also a certain amount of expectation at Christmas. The season is promoted as a time when families unite for the celebrations when, in reality, many people don’t have families or are estranged from loved ones.

“Society promotes Christmas as a time when we should be happy and friendly and enjoy yourself, being sociable and, of course, that would be lovely if everybody could do that, but there are people in circumstances where they may not be able to do that,” says Mr Gelsthorpe.

Those who feel sad and anxious can also have ‘uncomfortable’ feelings. But such feelings are often a guide to get help.

Mr Gelsthorpe adds: “The usefulness of these feelings is they help guide us to think about what is wrong so we will know what is making us feel miserable or making us feel very worried.”

For those who don’t feel they can change the situation which is making them feel that way, there are people who can help. They don’t have to bear their problems alone.

“Top tips are to pay attention to these feelings because they will be helping to guide you to what things in your life need to become different, and certainly if you have the opportunity to share your feelings or anxieties with somebody you know that is helpful.”

Pamela Coulson, chief officer for Mind in Bradford, says: “Over the past few weeks there has been a significant number of tragic deaths reported which have been about people taking their lives, leaving friends and family not only bereft but shocked and unable to understand why this tragedy has occurred.

“It is often the last person one would think of that takes their own life. Many people hide their mental distress or don’t seek help until it is too late.

“If you are concerned about your own mental health, worried about someone else close to you, or support someone with a mental health problem and need support, then please contact Mind in Bradford’s confidential telephone helpline, Guide-Line,” she advises.

Mind is open seven days a week between noon and 9pm, including Christmas Day. For more information, call (01274) 594594, or if you feel unable to talk to the charity you can access the confidential e-mail service at alex@mindinbradford.org.uk.

For more information about other services, call (01274) 730815 or e-mail admin@mindinbradford.org.uk, or visit mindinbradford.org.uk The Samaritans also offer confidential support. For more information, call (01274) 547547.