We need to talk about Lindsay Clancy

A content warning: if discussion around any of the subjects of postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression, the death of a child generally, or the murder of a child specifically, would be detrimental to your mental health, please skip this month. However. If you can manage it—even though these subjects are heavy—I ask you to stick with me. We can’t keep looking away from things that are hard (unless, as I said, they would adversely impact your own mental health journey—the oxygen mask has to go on you first). That said, this isn’t one to listen to with young ears around. What do we expect mothers to tolerate before we decide their suffering is serious enough to deserve compassion? This is a difficult conversation about maternal mental health, judgment, and the stories we tell about women when something unthinkable happens. Referenced Links: - The best summaries I’ve found: PBS, The Guardian, and the BBC. - Friday a friend of mine sent me this IG post (worth watching—if you don’t have IG, you don’t have to be signed in to watch—but please be aware of language you may not want your kids to hear). - In Lindsay Clancy’s case, the people who loved her saw her struggling. They tried to get her help. But it wasn’t enough (see this PBS article). I’m sure there are more ways to support moms, that’s just off the top of my head. Here is another great IG post from Libby Ward (Diary of an Honest Mom) that sums it up beautifully. Here are some resources to help with postpartum mental health: Postpartum Support International Provider Directory Postpartum Support International’s main website, and their phone and text based resources: Call the PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773 (#1 En Español or #2 English) Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN) or Text en Español: 971-203-7773 Click here if you’d prefer to read this content. If you'd like to receive these essays in both written and audio form, subscribe to Eliciting Esperance here. And if this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a friend or rating the podcast. Both help more people find this work, and I'm grateful. Esperance (es-per-uhns): the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. Thank you to Joris Vermeer for the use of their human-created music for this podcast. Get full access to Eliciting Esperance at elicitingesperance.substack.com/subscribe