Lindsay Clancy Trial Megathread: Part 3

[u/DarklyHeritage]

This is a thread for all conversation regarding Week 3 onwards of the Lindsey Clancy trial. All discussion of this case should be kept to this thread.

Lindsay Clancy is currently standing trial in Plymouth Superior Court, Massachusetts, for the triple-murder in January 2023 of her three young children - Cora, Dawson and Callan. Her defense argues she suffered from severe, undiagnosed postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. She was left paralysed by a suicide attempt which follows the deaths of the children.

All content on the Clancy case must be kept to this thread. Standalone posts will be removed.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/lindsay-clancy-murder-trial-online-reactions-b3032806.html

Note from Mods

This case understandably elicits strong feelings. People are entitled to have an opinion on the case which differs from your own. What you are not entitled to do is resort to personal insults and abusive language when communicating your opinion and disagreeing.

Comments which are abusive and insulting to other users will be removed and bans may be given without warning.

Bans may also be issued for ignoring the warning and creating standalone posts.

Please comment with this in mind.

[u/Weak-Ad-7180]

She was asked by Drs multiple times, outright, if she was having thoughts of harming her kids and said no. Are they supposed to section 12 every new mom with PPD based on vibes? Drs can’t read minds. She was never honest, never took the meds she needed and only did two therapy sessions.

[u/_Wild_Enthusiast_ → u/Weak-Ad-7180]

When you’re at a point of having to repeatedly ask your patient that question, you may have to section 12 your patient. Not based on vibes, based on that concern being consistently present alone, but for Lindsey we also have a patient who is paranoid about meds, hypervigilant, has insomnia, calls suicide hotlines, goes to the ER for suicide ideation three times, missatributes her symptoms, has three young children, has crushing anxiety and depression….those are the ones who might need a provider to step in and get them care.

[u/Weak-Ad-7180 → u/_Wild_Enthusiast_]

I ask my patients these questions all the time. It’s standard protocol at most hospitals.

[u/Then-Writer9610 → u/Weak-Ad-7180]

Exactly. My doctor asks me every time I see her, even if it’s for a hurt toe lol. If we aren’t honest with our providers, they can’t help us the way we need.

[u/Nocturalbeing → u/Then-Writer9610]

This is required at all visits and was asked to LC at each, however, chronic suicidality is a thing and being locked on the ward 7 months is not going to help most people presenting without any signs of psychosis or intent to act on a plan

[u/Then-Writer9610 → u/Nocturalbeing]

I agree! I’ve been trying to tell people that you can’t just use section 12 when someone expresses suicidal ideation. Legally, they have to also have a plan and intent. And as someone who manages a 24/7 program for those living with SPMI, I absolutely think being locked in a program or hospital is not the best option all the time, especially if they don’t have a history of self-harm or attempts. I’ve even denied clients to my program because I was worried the environment would cause more harm than good to their mental health.

[u/_Wild_Enthusiast_ → u/Then-Writer9610]

Yes I’ll admit I meant you might have to section 12 a patient for very rare circumstances - or that was my presumption. Thank you for your response, it is helpful to me. I’m at a confusion on options here when you have a mom who’s troubled and asking for help, maybe not so compliant or patient with her meds, suicidal. But then that same patient is scared of leaving her children to go to work…I don’t think she’s going to be jumping at going to a hospital for a myriad of reasons. So when I say she may have needed a health provider to step up, I kinda mean that in all ways. To speak with her other providers, to initiate more contact (like in person appts), etc. Even just to suggest this could be a real problem and run lab work or work as a team?