The husband of a woman accused of killing three children before attempting suicide has said he forgives her.
Lindsey Clancy, 32, is believed to have been suffering from severe postpartum depression when she allegedly strangled five-year-old Cora, three-year-old Dawson and seven-month-old baby Callan on Tuesday evening, January 24.
She then jumped from a second-story window of a Massachusetts home but survived a suicide attempt, investigators say.
Patrick Clancy reportedly left home for about 25 minutes to buy food for his family as this all unfolded.
All the children were taken to the hospital, where the two older children died soon after. The child died three days later on Friday.
Clancy, a birth nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, is being treated at a Boston hospital.
She has previously spoken about her struggles with motherhood anxiety on social media and has reportedly been suffering from postpartum psychosis.
Mr Clancy referred to her “condition” in a touching statement after the tragedy, but did not elaborate.
He wrote: “Recently she has been portrayed mostly by people who have never met her and never knew who the real Lindsey was.
“Our marriage was wonderful and strengthened diametrically as her condition rapidly deteriorated.
“I was just as proud to be her husband as I was to be a father, and felt like I was constantly lucky to have her in my life.”
The grieving father continued: “I want to ask all of you to find the strength to forgive Lindsey, as I did.
“The real Lindsey showed generous love and care to everyone – me, our children, family, friends and her patients.
“The very fibers of her soul are loving. All I wish for her right now is for her to find peace somehow.”
Clancy’s arraignment has yet to be scheduled.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental illness that can strike a person shortly after the birth of a child. It affects about 1 in 500 new mothers, according to the NHS.
While many new moms will experience mild mood changes known as “baby blues”, postpartum psychosis should be treated as a medical emergency.
The symptoms listed below usually appear suddenly within the first two weeks after delivery, often within hours or days after delivery.
They may include:
- hallucinations – hearing, seeing, smelling or touching things that are not there
- delusions – thoughts or beliefs that are unlikely to be true
- manic mood – talking and thinking too much or too fast, feeling “high” or “on top of the world”
- low mood – signs of depression, withdrawal or tearfulness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, restlessness, agitation, or trouble sleeping
- sometimes a mixture of manic mood and bad mood – or rapidly changing mood
- loss of inhibitions
- feelings of suspicion or fear
- anxiety
- feel very embarrassed
- behaves out of character
The NHS website warns that the illness can worsen quickly and jeopardize the safety of mother and baby.
He suggests contacting a GP immediately if you think you or someone you know has developed symptoms of postpartum psychosis. You must request an urgent estimate on the same day.
You can call 111 if you can’t talk to your GP or don’t know what to do next. Your midwife or health visitor can also help you access health care.
Go to the emergency room or call 999 if you think you or someone you know may be in danger of imminent harm.
The NHS website urges you to remember that if you have postpartum psychosis, you may not realize you are sick. Your partner, family or friends may notice the signs and take action.
Click here for more information.
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