Postpartum Psychosis Survivor: Why We Need to Keep Talking About Maternal Mental Health After Lindsay Clancy

As the Lindsay Clancy trial brings postpartum psychosis into the national spotlight, one question remains: what happens when the trial is over? 

Despite informing Judge William F. Sullivan that the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on both Tuesday and Wednesday, the jury returned to begin their sixth day of deliberations. After a full day of discussions, the jury still has not reached a decision. Because they have not informed the judge that they cannot reach a unanimous decision for the third and final time before a mistrial must be declared, they will be back in court tomorrow to continue their deliberations. 

In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with Kristina Dulaney, a postpartum psychosis survivor and the founder of Cherished Mom, a community focused on maternal mental health awareness, prevention, and support. She says we need to keep talking about this devastating but treatable illness — and, more importantly, start talking about it before tragedy strikes. 

Kristina shares her own experience with postpartum psychosis and what she wants people to understand about the diagnosis. She describes the sudden onset of her psychosis at five and a half months postpartum, the terrifying experience of losing touch with reality, and the impact it had not only on her, but on her entire family. 

Kristina also weighs in on the Lindsay Clancy trial, sharing her perspective on whether postpartum psychosis may have played a role and if jurors were given a full understanding of the illness. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing a maternal mental health crisis, speak up and seek help. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 by call or text at 1-833-TLC-MAMA. 

https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline 

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