Locals discuss postpartum psychosis as Lindsey Clancy trial brings national awareness to the diagnosis

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The prosecution rested its case Monday in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of murdering her three children while suffering alleged postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum depression, anxiety and even psychosis happen to more people around you than you would think. 

Maternal mental health disorders affect at least one in five women, according to the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.

One Logan County mother, Natalie Norris, says she experienced psychosis following the birth of her first child.

She says she would audibly hear a man telling her to harm herself coming from her bathroom.

“I had this inner voice saying that something was wrong and that this wasn’t who I was and this wasn’t normal, but I just couldn’t, I didn’t want to tell anyone about it because I felt like, it was like, if you say it, it sounds crazy,” said Norris.

Mothers in this position may experience shame or fear of losing their children and may not tell anyone. 

“I felt like I was failing as a mother because one thing I was supposed to do is to be a good mom, but I felt like I couldn’t do that with the mental head space I was in,” said Norris. 

She says the help she received saved her life. 

“I don’t feel like I was the same person that I was. What I went through with the postpartum depression was way harder than anything I’ve ever been through,” said Norris. 

Ashley Shell with Lifeskills says some signs of psychosis are extreme anxiety, auditory or visual hallucinations or delusions.

Postpartum psychosis is considered a mental health emergency, and someone experiencing signs should get help immediately.

“Know that you are worth that and your baby is worth that. Baby needs a mom who is mentally well herself and feels good,” said Shell.

Reach out to your OBGYN or a mental health professional if you are having mental health issues postpartum. 

In a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8 to talk to someone immediately.