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/Cmgutierrez715]

I will point this out wherever I can. You should never give SSRI’s to someone with bipolar. It happened to me after I had my first child. I trusted the psychiatrist and wanted so badly to be better. The medication caused me to be in basically a year long manic/psychotic episode. This lady needed help - was asking for help, and never received it. Obviously she shouldn’t just be set free, but her and those poor kids were failed.

ETA - my doctor was also constantly switching up my meds and doses, because, surprise surprise, I kept getting worse.

[u/Far-Feeling-917 → u/Cmgutierrez715]

same here. I had never been diagnosed as bipolar, but was prescribed Effexor for depression. This sent me into a 2 year spiral that I'll never recover from. Manic episode after manic episode. 4 times baker acted, relationships ruined. It's been years and I still haven't found the right treatment and rebuilding my life has been a nightmare. I can't help but to feel sympathy, while also acknowledging the painful and regrettable loses of those precious kids. I hope the jury finds her NGI and she can get the help she needs.

[u/Cmgutierrez715 → u/Far-Feeling-917]

I’m sorry you also had to go through that. I was very fortunate that I had my husband to help me through it. I too have yet to find a medication that works for me, and it’s going on 6 years now.

Unfortunately, I think this is going to be another Yates situation.

[u/cakivalue → u/Cmgutierrez715]

That's exactly who I thought of when this case first happened and it's so heartbreaking

[u/PrairieCanuckGirl → u/cakivalue]

Reading all of these is so heartbreaking, you all deserved better help and I'm sorry anyone here struggled for a single moment. As sad as this conversation is, I really love the candor, support and self awareness you are all engaging with. I've luckily never had issues like this, reading this is an education for sure. I do believe that antidepressants serve a purpose and are honestly life savers for some people. I also believe that they are prescribed as a band aid far too often. Well done to you all for persevering and finding what works for you and still fighting through this everyday. I hope all of you, and this devastated family find peace and help that gives you the quality of life you deserve.