Deaths of Massachusetts children spark discussion on maternal mental health

© Provided by WMUR Manchester lindsay clancy

The arrest of a Massachusetts woman after two of her children were found dead has sparked a conversation about maternal mental health.

Police said three children were discovered on Tuesday, inside their family home, in Duxbury. A 5-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy were strangled to death, and an 8-month-old baby was flown to a Boston-area hospital with traumatic injuries, according to investigators.

Their mother, who was later identified as Lindsay Clancy, 32, had attempted suicide, police said.

A motive has not been identified, but the deaths has sparked a conversation about maternal mental health.

Heather Martin, a maternal mental health advocate and pediatric medical assistant at Dartmouth Health, has been pushing for change since she lost her sister to maternal suicide in 2009.

She implemented a mental health screening process in her office, and she has also pushed for changes on the national level through advocacy.

"The biggest thing is there is help for our mothers it just recognizing and breaking the stigma, no shame for mothers that are feeling like this," Martin said. "The more that we share our stories, the more we can break the stigma and break the cycle of fear that these mothers have by speaking out about these feelings that they're having."

If you or a loved one is struggling, you can get help 24 hours a day by calling the Suicide Lifeline at 988.

TOP STORIES FROM WMUR:

Steady light snow expected in northern New Hampshire for Sunday

Adam Montgomery indicted on second-degree murder charge in daughter's death

Human trafficking fugitive from Honduras arrested in Manchester

Bill would ban pets from drivers' laps in New Hampshire

The US economy grew by 2.9% in the fourth quarter, more than expected

Past US presidents, VPs asked to recheck for classified docs

READ THE FULL STORY:Deaths of Massachusetts children spark discussion on maternal mental health

CHECK OUT WMUR:Get the top New Hampshire news of the day. With the latest Manchester news, weather and sports, WMUR is your local news leader.