Mental Health for Moms: A Commentary About Lindsay Clancy

Preface: I am not, nor have I been, involved in the treatment or evaluation of Lindsay Clancy. The comments comprising this blog are based on my own clinical opinions and inferences. This article should not be interpreted as a treatment guide, nor does it represent a formal clinical opinion on any specific case or client.

Trigger Warning: This article makes reference to violence involving children and suicide attempts. Reader discretion is advised.

The story about Lindsay Clancy out of Duxbury, Massachusetts, is a heartbreaking reminder of how much work we have to do to promote understanding of mental health issues, and ensure the services get to the people who need it. If you haven't followed the story, Lindsay is alleged to have strangled her three young children prior to attempting suicide herself. She was found badly injured by her husband.

Lindsay has since been charged with murder, and she remains hospitalized recovering from serious injuries sustained during her suicide attempt. This story is tragic beyond words, and, fortunately, it seems her family, friends, and colleagues are remaining supportive and present for her. Early indication from the media suggests that her attorney is exploring her recent history of mental health treatment, and the prospect that she was over-medicated on an array of psychotropic medications. This case is in its very early stages, and there will surely be a lot of interesting information emerging.

Lindsay's case highlights an often-overlooked aspect of the mental health field: maternal mental health. This case has given rise to references to "postpartum depression" and "postpartum psychosis." But what are these conditions? And more importantly, why are we typically only talking about them after something terrible happens?

Let's begin by breaking down the concept of "postpartum." The consensus is that the postpartum period begins at the time of birth. What is less clearly defined is how long the postpartum period lasts. The postpartum phase is really a reference to how long it takes for the mother's body to be restored to pre-pregnancy physiology. Some sources will say the postpartum period is six to eight weeks, while others will say it lasts up to six months. The concern I see is that these timeframes are all about physical recovery and restoration. But what is a reasonable period of time for a mother's mental health to be restored to pre-pregnancy functioning? Is that even possible?

Most people are aware that it is common for new moms to experience "baby blues" after giving birth. While this is, indeed, common, these feelings should not be minimized or overlooked. Postpartum depression is considered a more intense and longer-lasting form of the baby blues; however, this condition can also be accompanied by a much more frightening element. That is, thoughts about hurting oneself or one's own child. That is certainly not always the case. Some experience postpartum depression in the form of extreme sadness, irritability, difficulty bonding with the baby, sleep changes, appetite changes, and more.

Postpartum psychosis is less common and less frequently discussed. Nevertheless, it's very serious. This condition references a break in reality after giving birth. Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior and thoughts, and depersonalization. Examples of delusions are believing that people can place thoughts inside your mind, or feeling that others are out to get you. Hallucinations could include the perception of being told to do something by a voice no one else hears (i.e., being told to hurt yourself), or seeing something others don't see.

If postpartum depression is considered so common, why is it so rarely discussed? Why do we continue to greet new moms with clothes, toys, and books for the baby, but little or nothing for mom? Why is there still a stigma around moms who are less than enamored after giving birth? When was the last time you asked a new mom how she is feeling emotionally, or offered her a break to have time to herself? I am ashamed to say I have not done this. And I know better. I will do better. We all have to do better. Let's make it a habit to check in with moms to find out how they are doing, how they are adjusting, and ensure they feel supported. Let's be part of the village.

I want to close by clarifying that these serious conditions are treatable, and help is available. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or proceed to the closest emergency room right away. You can also dial 9-8-8 on your phone 24/7 to talk to someone. Finally, if you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts about hurting another person, call 911 or proceed to the closest emergency room right away.