DUXBURY, Mass. — The trial of a Duxbury mother charged with the strangulation deaths of her children is shining a spotlight on the importance of postpartum support for parents.
Lindsay Clancy’s attorneys argue she was suffering from postpartum psychosis when her three young children were killed and that her doctors failed to treat her properly. Prosecutors have charged Clancy with murder, alleging she planned the killings.
As testimony unfolds in court, a group in Duxbury is working to raise awareness for Postpartum Support International, also known as PSI. The non-profit provides resources for parents struggling with their mental health after the birth of a child. PSI’s website estimates that one in five mothers suffers from post-partum depression, along with one in ten new fathers.
Kelly Winter and Patricia Wasiolek are co-leading this year’s PSI Climb in Duxbury on Saturday, October 3. Last year’s inaugural walk drew 100 participants and raised $10,000 for PSI. Winter and Wasiolek are hoping to raise $15,000 this year.
It’s personal for both women. Winter watched a friend struggle with postpartum depression.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty because you don’t know who to involve,” Winter told Boston 25 News. “I think I got passionate about this because the more people know about PSI, the better the chance they see them as a first stop for support and know there are resources out there.”
Wasiolek said her own experience with postpartum depression now draws her to help others.
“There’s a complete shift in your life,” Wasiolek said. “I just had debilitating anxiety… I was very fortunate to have a supportive network between my husband and a friend who had been through a very similar situation and helped me find resources.”
Through the PSI Climb and fundraiser, Winter and Wasiolek are helping other mothers – and fathers – find postpartum support resources. And while October’s event is not connected to the Lindsay Clancy case, the tragedy underscores the importance of early intervention and access to mental-health resources.
“I hope it makes people more aware of what parents may be going through,” Winter said.
“And to know there are resources before someone reaches a crisis point,” Wasiolek added. “Just knowing there’s someone out there who’s having those same feelings… and then to see people who might be further along in their journey provides hope of, okay, I’m going to get through this.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW