08/13/2026
Perinatal mental health has been receiving renewed attention with the start of the Lindsey Clancy trial, igniting many important conversations about what can happen during the postpartum period. Regardless of the legal case itself, it highlights how someone can seek help repeatedly, follow medical recommendations, and still not receive the level of care they need. It also reminds us how important it is to better understand perinatal mental health disorders and strengthen the systems that support families.
Perinatal mental health disorders are among the leading causes of pregnancy- and postpartum-related complications for mothers. Despite how common they are, they are still frequently misunderstood and surrounded by stigma.
Many people think of postpartum depression or anxiety when they hear about postpartum mental health. While these are common, there are several perinatal mental health conditions, including postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. Each condition has its own symptoms, presentation, and treatment needs.
If you are struggling, please know that help is available. Reach out to someone you trust. Talk with your primary care provider, OB-GYN, midwife, or your baby's pediatrician. Let someone know that you are not feeling like yourself. Organizations such as Postpartum Support International offer free support.
If you are supporting someone who you suspect they may be struggling, your presence matters. Check in regularly, offer emotional and practical support, and help ensure they are getting adequate sleep, hydration, and nutrition whenever possible. If symptoms are severe, rapidly changing, or include confusion, delusions, hallucinations, or concerns about safety, seek immediate medical evaluation.
One resource we hope to bring to our community is a therapeutic postpartum support group—a safe, judgment-free space where mothers can be themselves, connect with others who understand their experiences, learn practical coping tools, and receive the support they deserve. Our goal is to help mothers move beyond simply surviving the postpartum period and toward truly thriving.
