I am deeply saddened by the verdict in the Andrea Yates trial. As a mother who endured postpartum depression while taking care of a sick infant, I empathize with Yates’ struggle for sanity while having to care for five children. And although I never brought harm to my daughter, I also did not have other children to take care of and I didn’t have to also fight schizophrenia on top of the depression.
I was lucky to have the strong support of my husband during this time. He recognized early that I needed help and got me that help.
Other women aren’t so lucky and are expected to be “good mothers” and put aside all other considerations, including their own good health, for the sake of their children.
The death of these children is tragic. But it is also tragic that this woman was convicted because society does not understand mental illness.
