As the Clancy case highlights postpartum psychosis, a mom stricken by it shares her story of hope

A Mother's Ordeal and Recovery

About two weeks after giving birth, Bridget María Chesterton found herself curled up on the bathroom floor, speaking in ways that made little sense to her family. Later, in the emergency room, she repeatedly asked, “What’s going on?” — a sign she had lost touch with reality. Her family soon learned that Chesterton was experiencing postpartum psychosis, a severe mental health disorder that has gained attention through the trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman accused of strangling her three children. A central question in that case is whether postpartum psychosis drove Clancy’s actions.

Understanding Postpartum Psychosis

Researchers estimate that postpartum psychosis, a mental health emergency less common than postpartum depression, affects 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 women after delivery. While most women who develop the condition do not harm their children, those with severe cases may be at risk of harming themselves or their kids.

Chesterton, a 52-year-old history professor living outside Buffalo, New York, said that without medication and the strong support of her family, her own situation “could have gone sideways.” Her recovery, she believes, was made possible by timely treatment and the unwavering presence of loved ones.

Fighting Stigma and Raising Awareness

Chesterton is troubled by online comments about the Clancy case that suggest postpartum psychosis is not a real disorder. Determined to correct such misconceptions, she has chosen to share her story publicly. A poem she wrote about her experience is set to be published in a journal this fall. Her hope is to let other families know that recovery is possible and to encourage open conversation about a condition that is often misunderstood.

“It’s something that we do not talk about as a society,” Chesterton said. “I’m not embarrassed about what happened. I want people to know about it.”

The Journey to Motherhood

Chesterton and her husband, James Fitzsimmons, had long wanted a child and underwent fertility treatment for years. She became pregnant in her mid-40s, but the pregnancy was complicated by severe asthma that required hospitalization. Her daughter was born by C-section in January 2019, about two months early.

“Everything about bringing her into the world was awful,” Chesterton recalled, describing the difficult circumstances surrounding the birth.

A Message of Hope and Support

Chesterton’s story serves as a reminder that postpartum psychosis is a treatable condition, and with the right care and support, mothers can recover. For anyone struggling, help is available. The national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. can be reached by calling or texting 988. Additional resources include the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-TLC-MAMA and SpeakingOfSuicide.com.