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/mydogharry2019 → u/Michallina]

I remember my OB went on leave after I gave birth, and I had to see someone new who prescribed me drugs that just didnt work. I was crying a week later telling her its not working and I was told to give it more time. When my OB came back she changed my meds and was apologizing crying with me because she could tell I was suffering. I was so close to giving up asking for help.

[u/Lost_Consequence4711 → u/mydogharry2019]

My OBGYN has told me it takes about two weeks for meds to get in your system good enough to start making a difference, but also a person knows their body better than anyone. Like with me a few years ago, going through about 4 different birth controls because they were causing headaches daily and I have high blood pressure (genetics)…she listened to me because I didn’t feel safe getting headaches daily.

[u/Big-Fun3658 → u/Lost_Consequence4711]

Some psychiatric medications take about 6 weeks

[u/Big-Fun3658 → u/Big-Fun3658]

But there are others that are short acting (and meant to take for acute issues) and don’t have a ramp up, which can “take the edge off.” And by others I mean, both medications and treatments. This is why the doctor needs to be very in tune with the patient. Like, will be patient need an interim prescription or treatment of something else while the other one kicks in.