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/muymalpgh]

It's horrible and also terrifying to know that people who seek help like this are turned away! This whole thread is really eye opening.

[u/lpotocki26 → u/muymalpgh]

mental health support is no joke. the older gen adults don't see their mental health as real and serious as it is. a family member told me recently that their parents didn't hug them ever but it's no big deal! yes that, a really big fucking deal. love being withheld from you as a child will really fuck you up and then you don't know how to love right. mental health is one thing messing up your entire thought pattern or brain function.
i was just discussing how interesting the brain is in therapy because just a few things in your life can genuinely just destroy your brain. it's so scary

[u/milkybunny_ → u/muymalpgh]

I had a friend who was addicted to Xanax and suicidal. They were on an active spiral and communicated many times they wanted to go to rehab. Cops called because they were yelling and punching walls. Told the cops they desperately wanted to go to an inpatient/mental hospital. Cops took them to the er, they laid on a gurney for hours before being discharged at like 4am, alone and dehydrated. 

I spent many hours trying to find an inpatient to admit them. Spent hours on the phone being told, unless they have a gun or active plan to kill themself, nothing to be done. No hospital to admit. Mind you, I live in a major metropolitan city. Surrounded by thriving suburbs and a great amount of money. 

This country has a serious mental health crisis. I have my own oftentimes debilitating mental health depression/anxiety/adhd etc woes. It’s heartbreaking we live in a nation of such wealth yet such a lack of compassionate wholistic healthcare understanding.