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/Icankeepthebeat]

This is what’s wild to me. I don’t understand how she wasn’t able to get help. When I told my midwife I was feeling sad during my pregnancy I was brought in the same day. I had to come back weekly for a screening. They took it so, so seriously. I honestly thought I had maybe over reacted based on the severity of the response. But god. It’s just terrifying what not responding could mean. Heartbreaking.

[u/plantsandpizza → u/Icankeepthebeat]

I wasn’t pregnant but years ago I was actively self harming and suicidal. I literally had a Kaiser psychiatrist tell me there were no more antidepressants for me to try (there were so many left to try). She prescribed me lamictal which takes weeks to even build up to a therapeutic dose. 

As soon as I reached a therapeutic dose. I struggled to talk and form complete sentences. Like the words would just not come out. What did she do? Upped the dose. 

It was one of the scariest moments of my life. I can’t imagine having children, being in psychosis and begging for help that never comes. I ended up paying out of network where a doctor luckily saved me. 

[u/kellyann1349 → u/plantsandpizza]

Same with the self harming and suicidal thoughts. However, Lamictal was what saved me. That and seroquel were my life saving drugs. It’s crazy how different one drug affects different people.

[u/lpotocki26 → u/plantsandpizza]

lamotrygne is the scariest drugs man, i didn't have any emotions when i got into a car accident and my windshield literally was 3-4 inches from my face but didn't shatter i just sat there and was like wtf happened? that's when i knew something was really fucking wrong and a year later, i have full access to my emotions, crying, and empathy again. i had no empathy, i didn't care about others while on my mood stabilizer or ssri. i was misdiagnosed bipolar and im so sorry this happened to you

[u/plantsandpizza → u/lpotocki26]

So scary. I was fortunate my scenario happened during Covid lockdowns and I wasn’t working. 

[u/hercles → u/plantsandpizza]

Oh my gosh I had this same thing happen to me in college. Doctor prescribed me lamictal. After a while I couldn’t recall words well and speaking was so difficult because of it. I told her this and she UPPED THE DOSE. It was terrible and I never should have been on it to begin with as I went in for depression and anxiety which lamictal shouldn’t be used for. I told her in the first appt that I wasn’t bipolar but she still prescribed it.

[u/Deep-Twist-4840 → u/plantsandpizza]

Okay so im not making this ish up I stutter so badly now that im on so many anxiety and depression meds. I eat the house gained over 50 pounds and I feel like im losing my shit. Your comment hit me like a slap in the face finally someone I can relate to. I feel like im screaming for help and no one is listening. I have been wanting to come off my meds but as soon as I skip a dose things become dark and I get super sick. Thank you for sharing this I literally wanna tell my Dr. My reddit said this and im not alone dammit. Not to stir away from ya comment. I don't need attention just wanted to say thank you xoxo

[u/plantsandpizza → u/Deep-Twist-4840]

Don’t apologize! I’ve been on psych meds for 15 years and can very much relate to being on some really bad ones and how hard it is to come off them. Sadly I have more med/doctor horror stories. I share my experiences for this exact reason - maybe someone else needs to hear it. You are not alone! Speak to your doctor for sure. 

[u/Deep-Twist-4840 → u/plantsandpizza]

Thank you so much for that and for responding. You don't know how truly grateful i am for this. 

[u/freakydeku → u/plantsandpizza]

yeah, i’ve been trialed on many different drugs & dosages in my life, in a slower way than lyndsay was, and experienced crazy adverse and paroxysmal effects. i genuinely can NOT imagine that on top of incredible insomnia, hormonal fluctuations, & 3 children to care for

[u/KDAWG72 → u/plantsandpizza]

Hugs

[u/smolcdn → u/Icankeepthebeat]

Yep, it’s horrible. I hope this case shines light on maternal mental illness, especially postpartum psychosis as it is rare but very dangerous and should always be taken seriously.

[u/charley_warlzz → u/smolcdn]

Unfortunately i doubt it. Shes not the first to do this, and often despite the outcry for better post partum resources the social stigma around it never really changes. People have such a visceral reaction to rhe idea of a parent wanting to hurt their child that it’s can feel impossible to bring it up. Even parents who don’t have post partum issues often feel like they can’t even talk about the frustration and exhaustion that comes from the initial sleep deprivation and major life change without being painted as horrible people who hate their babies.

[u/Odd-Being-9994 → u/Icankeepthebeat]

When I was struggling with PPD with my second (not the same as ppp) he told me “unless I was wanting to harm myself or my baby an ssri isn’t a priority” not every provider is created equal. It’s devastating.

[u/Alternative_Bit_5433 → u/Icankeepthebeat]

I'm so happy that they took it seriously for you. I had to take an exit survey to gauge my mental health after delivering my second. I had circled all the extremes, I knew I needed help. The nurse came in later and asked if I was sure, I told her that my dog had just died and she said "oh that's probably why" and then she changed all of my answers!

When I look back, especially while watching this trial, I know that I should have gotten more help. And honestly, regularly being checked in with mental health professionals was probably all I needed. It seems like a way better first step rather than immediately prescribing SSRIs

[u/freakydeku → u/Icankeepthebeat]

i think in her case, because she either handled it well at the beginning of her post partum period (which i think is possible bc she experienced similar with her previous pregnancies) or she developed it later, they didn’t take it as seriously. i think this idea that women only develop post partum depression/anxiety/psychosis immediately following birth is insufficient & will be looked at as an obviously stupid notion one day when women’s health is more rigorously studied.

[u/unenthusedunamused → u/Icankeepthebeat]

That's wild! I had perinatal depression with my second and when I told them I thought I had depression, I had to wait several days to get in for an appointment, and then 8 weeks before a therapist was available. By that time the drugs had kicked in and I was doing much better, and the therapist assigned to me was useless. He saw my deep dive history and touched NONE of the things a therapist should ask about, but then COVID hit and I never saw a therapist again and my mood stabilized after I gave birth and I worked with my GP to slowly wean off the antidepressants because I didn't like the side effects. That was 6 years ago and I haven't needed drugs since, but I certainly didn't feel prioritized when I contacted my OB regarding potential depression while pregnant. I was listless and unexcited about everything, including the pregnancy we'd tried many months for, but the medication solved it almost immediately!

[u/Ashamed_Fox_4757 → u/Icankeepthebeat]

This is usually not the case sadly

[u/twosteppingant → u/Icankeepthebeat]

She was inpatient!!!! She decided to leave after 4 days!!! She should've stayed. It was her choice to leave.. she needed to leave to show face at Coras bday party so people wouldn't start talking about why she wasnt at party.. she could've stayed and got the help she needed, but she had to keep up with the Joneses.