08/13/2026
Content note: This post discusses postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, su***de, and the Lindsay Clancy trial.
To every woman and person who has given birth and is finding the Lindsay Clancy trial emotionally overwhelming: I see you.
This trial is bringing painful and frightening conversations about postpartum mental health into homes everywhere. For some, it may stir up memories of a difficult pregnancy, traumatic birth, postpartum depression, intrusive thoughts, isolation, or a time when you did not feel like yourself—and perhaps did not feel safe telling anyone.
Whatever the legal outcome of this case, we must be able to talk about maternal mental health honestly, compassionately, and without shame.
Postpartum depression is real. It is not weakness, ingratitude, poor parenting, or simply being tired.
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 8 women with a recent live birth report symptoms of postpartum depression. Symptoms may include:
• Persistent sadness, emptiness, anxiety, or irritability
• Feeling disconnected from the baby
• Intense guilt, hopelessness, or feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep or appetite beyond what caring for a baby would typically cause
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Feeling unable to care for yourself or your baby
• Thoughts of death, su***de, or harm
Perinatal depression can begin during pregnancy or after childbirth. It can affect people with loving families, wanted pregnancies, strong support systems, professional success, and no previous mental-health diagnosis. It is a medical condition—and it is treatable.
Postpartum psychosis is not the same as postpartum depression. It is much rarer, affecting approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 people after childbirth, but it is a psychiatric emergency. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, mania, severe confusion, rapidly changing moods, and behavior that appears dramatically out of character.
Most people experiencing postpartum depression or another mental-health condition will never harm their children. We must not increase fear or stigma by suggesting otherwise. However, when psychosis is present, immediate medical intervention is essential to protect the parent and baby.
Postpartum psychosis still does not have its own distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR. Clinicians must instead classify it through other mood or psychotic disorders and available onset specifiers. I support recognizing postpartum psychosis as the distinct, serious condition that it is. I have dedicated some of my professional advocacy hours to this issue with the American Psychiatric Association because clearer recognition can support earlier detection, better research, appropriate treatment, and lives saved.
If you are struggling after giving birth, please do not wait until you can explain it perfectly. You do not need to be “sick enough” to ask for help. Tell someone you trust. Contact your physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or another qualified healthcare professional. You may also reach out to Velora Therapy, and I will help you identify an appropriate next step.
You are not a bad mother.
You are not broken.
You are not alone.
Help is available, and recovery is possible.
For free, confidential maternal mental-health support, call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), available 24/7.
If you are experiencing hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, thoughts of su***de, or thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You may also call or text 988 for immediate crisis support.
Please check on the mothers and new parents in your life—and make room for an honest answer.
