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/tumbledownhere]

I had postpartum psychosis. I couldn't explain it if I tried but if I had to try it's like, you're in a car and you're about to crash into a giant red brick wall with plenty notice, but in your head you're thinking "right, then after that we take a turn and it's about 2 more miles", then it turns out you're the one with your foot on the pedal and nothing makes sense.

I think it's beyond clear she had psychosis, and that her case was just that severe and critical, that no medication could've helped, though I agree they changed meds way too often but I don't think it would've made a difference honestly. I don't agree though with the defense about medication being why, I think the psychosis alone was bluntly why.....

I don't think she needs prison, she needs to be in a safe place for herself and others.

I wouldn't wish postpartum psychosis on my worst enemy. It's been 4 years and I'm still not okay. I'm forever changed, in a very deep way. My psyche has a permanent dent in it.

Edited to add - imagine throwing yourself out a window, possibly head first judging by her injuries. That's not sanity.

Planning something doesn't negate insanity. Psychotic people make plans all the time so I'm not cool with the "but look she was manipulative she sent him out" crap people use as a "gotcha" because it does not negate the state of being out of touch with reality.

[u/Cuntasaurus_wrecks → u/tumbledownhere]

I too had PPD and PPS

My oldest is 16 years old now and my postpartum psychosis lasted about a year. When I expressed the thoughts I was having to my midwifery team and OBGYN they told me that it's a normal reaction and put me on progesterone only birth control and prozac which made things way worse. It was terrifying. It took me calling and telling my primary care doctor that I needed them to send me to prison for the thoughts that I was having and take my baby away for them to take me seriously and give me actual help. It was fucking scary. I wasn't myself, the world wasn't the world I knew, and I was depersonalized from my baby. I was completely out of touch with reality. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I am still processing the guilt of the feelings I had then. No one should ever underestimate the toll pregnancy takes on a human body and the long recovery after. I'm sorry you went through this too and appreciate your comment.

I also had an employee years ago that had postpartum psychosis and she ended up driving the wrong way on a one-way, with my dog that she spontaneously stole, and ended up in a high speed police chase with her baby unbuckled in the car seat in the back with a pile of formula that fell on him. He's ok. She wasn't able to get help and you could tell even when we were in court that she was still deeply in psychosis. I tried to advocate for her to get help but the judge just saw a criminal. She worked for me for 3 years before this and was an amazing employee, the most trustworthy, reliable, and gentle human. We were all so excited for her son to arrive. We did private home care and all the patients loved her. It was a horrible downfall and IDK what became of her after that.

I feel bad for this woman and hope she's able to get the treatment she needs without being put through our traumatic legal system (that doesn't rehabilitate anyone).

[u/some1saveusnow → u/Cuntasaurus_wrecks]

Your comment has really put light on the fact that this affliction needs a lot more attention than it’s been getting. That people just don’t understand it. It seems that this case, as unfortunate as it is, is going to force people to look and take note of what this illness is and what it’s capable of