Clancy’s defence argues that she was experiencing severe postpartum psychosis, alongside other mental-health problems, and that inadequate treatment contributed to her deteriorating condition.
She also said that people experiencing severe postpartum mental illness could potentially have been “only one step away" from committing similar acts.
Licensed therapist defends Lindsay Clancy, who murdered her three children, because “many of us see ourselves in Lindsay.
The Lindsay Clancy trial is bringing increased attention to postpartum mental health and criminal responsibility, which could influence how these issues are viewed legally.
The case specifically focuses on whether severe postpartum mental illness can absolve an individual of criminal responsibility.
News viral ‘Sorry, This Is NOT Normal’: Internet Reacts As Therapist Defends Lindsay Clancy, Woman Accused Of Killing Her Three Children
‘Sorry, This Is NOT Normal’: Internet Reacts As Therapist Defends Lindsay Clancy, Woman Accused Of Killing Her Three Children
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Last Updated: August 17, 2026, 12:09 IST
As the trial over the deaths of Lindsay Clancy’s three children continues, a therapist’s comments about postpartum psychosis have triggered a debate online
‘Sorry, This Is NOT Normal’: Internet Reacts As Therapist Defends Lindsay Clancy, Woman Accused Of Killing Her Three Children
The ongoing trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children in January 2023, has once again brought to fore the issues of postpartum psychosis, maternal mental health and criminal responsibility. Clancy, a former labour and delivery nurse, is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of her children, Cora, Dawson and Callan. She has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Clancy’s defence argues that she was experiencing severe postpartum psychosis, alongside other mental-health problems, and that inadequate treatment contributed to her deteriorating condition. Prosecutors, meanwhile, argue that the killings were deliberate and have pointed to evidence they say indicates planning. The trial, which began in July, is ongoing in Plymouth Superior Court.
Therapist Defends Clancy
Against that backdrop, a viral video by therapist @StrongTherapyJess has attracted intense criticism online. In the video, she discusses the Clancy case and postpartum psychosis, saying, “many of us see ourselves in Lindsay." She also said that people experiencing severe postpartum mental illness could potentially have been “only one step away" from committing similar acts. The comments have been interpreted very differently online, with some viewers saying the remarks risk blurring the distinction between experiencing intrusive thoughts or psychosis and acting on them.
The reaction was particularly strong among people who felt that discussing mental illness in the context of the case amounted to excusing the deaths of Clancy’s children. One commenter wrote: “Many of us see ourselves in [the mother who murdered her children]" before criticising the comparison. Another wrote: “I am infinity “steps away from this"", while another questioned whether homicidal thoughts were being normalised.
Other users focused on the therapist’s audience and influence. One wrote: “Now we’re excusing homicidal tendencies/thoughts? wtf. and she has more the half a million subs on TT she’s spouting this to. Sorry, this is NOT normal. And people need to push back and tell these women excusing it to seek professional help."
Licensed therapist defends Lindsay Clancy, who murdered her three children, because “many of us see ourselves in Lindsay."“Many of us know that we could have been only one step away from [murdering our children]" This woman, and anyone else who thinks like this, belongs in a… pic.twitter.com/ZeFDCFgGcG — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 16, 2026
The backlash comes as postpartum psychosis itself has become a major focus of the Clancy proceedings. Experts say the condition is a rare psychiatric emergency that can involve hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion and disorientation. Recent reporting on the trial has highlighted the importance of recognising warning signs such as profound insomnia, paranoia and hallucinations, and of getting urgent psychiatric care.
Meanwhile, testimony in court has increasingly focused on the treatment Clancy received before the killings. Recent evidence has examined her medications, interactions with healthcare providers and whether serious symptoms were adequately identified. Her defence has argued that she sought help repeatedly and that her treatment was inadequate, while prosecutors have challenged aspects of that account.
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Key Questions Answered Powered by Ask News18 How can healthcare systems better support mothers with severe mental illness? Healthcare systems can better support mothers with severe mental illness by integrating routine mental health screening into antenatal and postnatal care, rather than treating it as a separate service. There is also a need for increased education and awareness for mothers, their partners, and community members to intervene before conditions escalate. Will this trial change how postpartum mental health is viewed legally? The Lindsay Clancy trial is bringing increased attention to postpartum mental health and criminal responsibility, which could influence how these issues are viewed legally. The case specifically focuses on whether severe postpartum mental illness can absolve an individual of criminal responsibility. Powered by Ask News18
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First Published: August 17, 2026, 12:04 IST
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