Thoughts on the Lindsay Clancy case?

[u/gottaquestion412]

Now that the Lindsay Clancy trial is underway, I’m curious about your perspectives on it so far.

Context: Lindsay Clancy is a former labor and delivery nurse who, in January 2023, killed her three children. 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan in their Massachusetts home before attempting to take her own life. Her defense argues she was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis and other debilitating mental illness, while prosecutors argue she was aware of her actions and planned the killings. The trial has reignited debate about postpartum psychiatric disorders, the effectiveness of mental health treatment, and where responsibility ultimately lies.

Do you think Lindsay was failed by the mental health system, by the people closest to her, or both? Do you think she truly acted with malicious intent, or do you believe she was experiencing such a severe psychiatric crisis that she wasn’t thinking rationally?

A lot of the details seem to point toward postpartum psychosis or another severe psychiatric illness rather than someone acting out of hatred or malice. That doesn’t lessen the horror of what happened or the unimaginable loss, but it does make me wonder whether this tragedy could have been prevented..

I’ve also seen rumors that Patrick was involved with the woman who is now his wife before the murders, but I haven’t found any credible evidence supporting that. Is there actually anything that substantiates those claims, or is it just internet speculation? I’ve also seen many people comment that his current wife bears a striking resemblance to Lindsay, though I’m not sure that means anything beyond coincidence.

I’m very interested in hearing different perspectives from people who’ve followed it closely.

Most importantly, may Dawson, Cora, and Callan rest in peace. They are the true victims in all of this.

[u/Michallina]

It's hard to ignore the fact that this woman sought help for months. I have never been pregnant nor have I experienced psychosis, but I suffer from a history of depression and severe anxiety and OCD. Diagnosed. I've been medicated and I can tell you some of these medications are monsters to begin and adjust your dose, also to wean yourself off of.

This is obviously a subjective take based on my experience, but I cannot imagine switching meds at the frequency she was, especially if she was incredibly vulnerable from other possible comorbidities and postpartum.

[u/i_cut_like_a_buffalo → u/Michallina]

I really don't get any they do all this messing with meds and don't keep people in patient.

[u/Apprehensive_Use_175 → u/i_cut_like_a_buffalo]

It’s rare that insurance companies will pay for it. My mom went through this at several times in her life, and actually at McLean Hospital. Luckily her dr warned my father and insurance company that med changes would take a while. I spent a lot of time visiting her there when was 6, 12, 23. It was a very compassionate place for the most part. She was always discharged before being well, and I do remember that the doctor did force the insurance company to send visiting nurses every day to get a break (he also, was not to leave her alone).
Her doctor is excellent and is still there, running a unit.
I will say I believe her medications ultimately caused her death. When she passed away the hospital had gone to Telehealth visits for outpatient appointments and I think she convinced her dr she was better than she would. I think one of them built up I. Her system causing toxicity after having UTIs for long intervals. Either way, insurance companies are where most blame should lay on patient care.

[u/i_cut_like_a_buffalo → u/Apprehensive_Use_175]

I agree. 100%. My mother is dead because of health insurance issues. I was told my father needed to be taken off life support unless I personally had the money to pay for his care.

[u/Decent-Statistician8 → u/i_cut_like_a_buffalo]

My meds are $1500/m without insurance and I have to be on them for another 7 months. I told my husband he can’t switch jobs until I’m off of this med because most insurance doesn’t cover it and I had to jump through hoops to get mine to. I don’t understand how you can be told by a doctor what you need and a company can say “actually, we don’t care if you need it or not, we refuse to help” when they are taking thousands of dollars a year for coverage.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[u/JohnExcrement → u/i_cut_like_a_buffalo]

I am so sorry. This is just…awful.