Latest news with #JessicaGlasser
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
‘I could have saved her,' cries mum whose daughter, 18, was found dead after GP surgery cancelled her appointment
JESSICA Glasser's parents want the law changed after their 18-year-old daughter took her own life. The teen, who dreamed of becoming a veterinary nurse, died in May 2025, after years of relentless bullying during her childhood. 2 2 Mary and David believe they could have helped their daughter if they'd known "what she told the GP behind closed doors." Her mum said she "could have saved her" if only she had "known". They now say doctors should be able to tell parents if their child is struggling with mental health. Jessica, from Londonderry in Northern Ireland, first spoke to a GP about her mental health in December 2024 - when she was still 18. In Northern Ireland, anyone aged 16 or over can decide what medical information is shared. For under-16s, doctors decide if they can consent. Mary and David say this leaves parents powerless when their child needs help most. "I understand there is patient confidentiality," Mary told Belfast Live. "But you don't stop being parents just because your child is a certain age. 'I think parents should be made aware in certain cases." Jessica's parents only learned how serious her mental health struggles were after her death. 'We are in pain every single day,' Mary told the BBC. 'She was our bright, beautiful star. "Parents, GPs, and mental health teams need to work together, even when your child is over 18.' Jessica's January 2025 appointment with a mental health specialist was cancelled due to unplanned leave, and never rescheduled. 'This should never have happened,' said Mary. 'Lessons need to be learned.' The GP practice told the BBC they could not comment because of patient confidentiality, but expressed deep sympathy for the family. Jessica struggled after being bullied at a young age. David said: 'The bullying stayed with her for years. "She kept it all to herself because she didn't want to hurt us.' 'She was hardworking and wonderful." From the age of three, Jessica had wanted to be a veterinary nurse, a career which she was already pursuing alongside school. Shortly after she passed away, David received a message from one of the vets at the practice where Jessica had been working. They asked if Jessica was still interested in pursuing her Level 2 college course and if she was looking for a placement. "Losing her is soul destroying," he said. "The fact she can't fulfil her dreams breaks our hearts.' Help for mental health If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, 116 123 CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) 0800 585 858 Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) 0800 068 41 41 Shout (for support of all mental health) text 85258 to start a conversation Mind, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary). YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too. Rethink Mental Illness, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate). Heads Together, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. Her parents have also called for the full implementation of the Department of Health's Mental Health Strategy. "Our politicians really need to fight more for our young people," the mum added. "How is this strategy not fully implemented yet?" The 10-year plan was published in June 2021, with £1.2bn needed to fully implement its recommendations. It aims to widen mental health support, boost early intervention, improve crisis care, and ramp up help for kids and communities A Department of Health spokesperson said mental health was a key area of focus for the minister and that he wished to convey his deepest sympathy to the Glassers. "Northern Ireland has historically had higher prevalence rates of mental ill-health compared to other regions across the United Kingdom," they added. "Despite higher need, however, funding levels for services here have been lower." To date, the department said no additional funding had been provided to support the implementation of the strategy. "The minister will continue to press the case for sustained additional funding," the department added. Mary has called on parents to talk to their children if they have any concerns. "Never assume they are fine," she said. Depression... the signs to look for and what to do Depression can manifest in many ways. We all feel a bit low from time to time. But depression is persistent and can make a person feel helpless and unable to see a way through. They may also struggle to about daily life. Mind says these are some common signs of depression that you may experience: How you might feel Down, upset or tearful Restless, agitated or irritable Guilty, worthless and down on yourself Empty and numb Isolated and unable to relate to other people Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy Angry or frustrated over minor things A sense of unreality No self-confidence or self-esteem Hopeless and despairing Feeling tired all the time How you might act Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy Self-harming or suicidal behaviour Difficulty speaking, thinking clearly or making decisions Losing interest in sex Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things Using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much No appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weight Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated If you feel this way, visit your GP who can help you. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, 116 123, jo@ CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) 0800 585 858 Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) 0800 068 41 41 Shout (for support of all mental health) text 85258 to start a conversation Mind, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@ or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary). YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too. Rethink Mental Illness, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Grieving parents want better access to mental health records
Doctors should legally be able to tell parents if their child is struggling with their mental health, the parents of a teenager who took her own life have said. Jessica Glasser died in May. Her parents Mary and David feel they could have helped her more if they had known "what she told the GP behind closed doors". Jessica was 17 years old when she first spoke to a GP in December 2024. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in Northern Ireland has said all doctors must work within legal and ethical frameworks and respect patient confidentiality. "Something needs to change regarding the age of disclosure," Mrs Glasser told BBC News NI. In Northern Ireland, individuals aged 16 and over are presumed to have the capacity to consent to medical treatment and the disclosure of their medical information, according to the General Medical Council (GMC). For those under 16, capacity to consent to disclosure is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and if lacking, parental consent can be sought. Jessica, who wanted to be a vet, turned 18 in January. Her parents said they only found out about the severity of her mental health struggles from her GP after her death. "We are in pain every single day," Mrs Glasser said. "She was our bright beautiful star." "Not enough is being done to help young people here. There should be more engagement with parents, the GP and mental health practitioners, even when your child is 18 or over." The RCGP said the doctor-patient relationship depended on confidentiality. "Doctors can only share information with family members when a patient, who has capacity, has given their consent," it added. Jessica's parents told BBC News NI she had struggled after being bullied at a young age. "The earlier bullying stayed with her throughout the years," Mr Glasser said. "She kept all her burdens to herself because she didn't want to hurt us. "She was just a wonderful kid and was hard working. For her to be gone is just soul destroying. "The fact she isn't here to fulfil her dreams is heartbreaking." Jessica had a consultation about her mental health in December 2024 but an appointment in January 2025 was cancelled due to unplanned leave by the mental health practitioner. Her parents are angry the appointment was not rescheduled. "This should never have happened," said Mrs Glasser. "Lessons need to be learned here." The practice Jessica attended told BBC News NI it was "unable to comment due to patient confidentiality" but expressed its deepest sympathies to the family for their loss. Her parents have also called for the full implementation of the Department of Health's Mental Health Strategy. "Our politicians really need to fight more for our young people," Mrs Glasser added. "How is this strategy not fully implemented yet?" The 10-year mental health strategy was published in June 2021, with £1.2bn needed to fully implement its recommendations. A Department of Health spokesperson said mental health was a key area of focus for the minister and that he wished to convey his deepest sympathy to the Glassers. "Northern Ireland has historically had higher prevalence rates of mental ill-health compared to other regions across the United Kingdom," they added. "Despite higher need, however, funding levels for services here have been lower." To date, the department said no additional funding had been provided to support the implementation of the strategy. "The minister will continue to press the case for sustained additional funding," the department added. Mrs Glasser has called on parents to talk to their children if they have any concerns. "Never assume they are fine," she said. "Jessica didn't always open up because she cared and didn't want us worrying, but talking is key. "No parent should ever have to deal with this. We want to help other parents." For information and support about any issues raised in this story contact the BBC Action Line. Pupils train as 'wellbeing prefects' to provide support for peers Mental health nurses on 999 calls reduce ED admissions
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Mental health: Grieving parents want better access to records
Doctors should legally be able to tell parents if their child is struggling with their mental health, the parents of a teenager who took her own life have Glasser died in May. Her parents Mary and David feel they could have helped her more if they had known "what she told the GP behind closed doors".Jessica was 17 years old when she first spoke to a GP in December Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in Northern Ireland has said all doctors must work within legal and ethical frameworks and respect patient confidentiality."Something needs to change regarding the age of disclosure," Mrs Glasser told BBC News NI. In Northern Ireland, individuals aged 16 and over are presumed to have the capacity to consent to medical treatment and the disclosure of their medical information, according to the General Medical Council (GMC). For those under 16, capacity to consent to disclosure is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and if lacking, parental consent can be who wanted to be a vet, turned 18 in January. Her parents said they only found out about the severity of her mental health struggles from her GP after her death."We are in pain every single day," Mrs Glasser said."She was our bright beautiful star.""Not enough is being done to help young people here. There should be more engagement with parents, the GP and mental health practitioners, even when your child is 18 or over." The RCGP said the doctor-patient relationship depended on confidentiality."Doctors can only share information with family members when a patient, who has capacity, has given their consent," it parents told BBC News NI she had struggled after being bullied at a young age."The earlier bullying stayed with her throughout the years," Mr Glasser said."She kept all her burdens to herself because she didn't want to hurt us."She was just a wonderful kid and was hard working. For her to be gone is just soul destroying."The fact she isn't here to fulfil her dreams is heartbreaking."Jessica had a consultation about her mental health in December 2024 but an appointment in January 2025 was cancelled due to unplanned leave by the mental health parents are angry the appointment was not rescheduled."This should never have happened," said Mrs Glasser."Lessons need to be learned here."The practice Jessica attended told BBC News NI it was "unable to comment due to patient confidentiality" but expressed its deepest sympathies to the family for their loss. Mental Health Strategy Her parents have also called for the full implementation of the Department of Health's Mental Health Strategy."Our politicians really need to fight more for our young people," Mrs Glasser added."How is this strategy not fully implemented yet?"The 10-year mental health strategy was published in June 2021, with £1.2bn needed to fully implement its recommendations.A Department of Health spokesperson said mental health was a key area of focus for the minister and that he wished to convey his deepest sympathy to the Glassers."Northern Ireland has historically had higher prevalence rates of mental ill-health compared to other regions across the United Kingdom," they added."Despite higher need, however, funding levels for services here have been lower."To date, the department said no additional funding had been provided to support the implementation of the strategy."The minister will continue to press the case for sustained additional funding," the department Glasser has called on parents to talk to their children if they have any concerns."Never assume they are fine," she said."Jessica didn't always open up because she cared and didn't want us worrying, but talking is key."No parent should ever have to deal with this. We want to help other parents."For information and support about any issues raised in this story contact the BBC Action Line.
Irish Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tributes pour in following sudden death of 'quiet and hardworking' schoolgirl
Tributes have been paid to a ' quiet, modest, talented and hardworking' schoolgirl from Co Derry who died suddenly at the weekend. Jessica Glasser, a year 14 pupil at Limavady High School, tragically passed away on Saturday (May 3). In a funeral notice shared by her family online, Jessica has been remembered as the "m uch loved daughter of David and Mary, d ear sister of Aaron, and loving granddaughter, niece and cousin." Limavady High School has led tributes to the 18-year-old , with the school opening on Monday during the Bank Holiday weekend for pupils who wanted to come in and speak to friends and members of the Senior Leadership Team. "It is with a heavy heart that we must share the tragic news of the passing of one of our pupils, Jessica Glasser," the school said in a statement. "Jessica was a caring and friendly character who will be dearly missed by her classmates and the wider LHS community." School principal Darren Mornin added: "The entire Limavady High School community is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our Year 14 pupil Jessica. "At this difficult time, we keep in our thoughts and prayers Jessica's parents, David and Mary, her brother Aaron and her whole family circle. "May they gather strength in their collective memories of Jessica as they prepare for the tough days, weeks and months ahead." Mr Mornin announced that trained staff from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team will also be present in school on Tuesday to provide support, alongside the school's pastoral team. The nearby Limavady Grammar School also expressed its sympathies: "The Limavady Grammar School community extends its condolences to Jessica's family and to everyone at Limavady High School. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the staff, students, and families as they navigate this profoundly difficult time." Jessica was a talented athlete who was involved in various sports club in her local community. The teenager lined out for Limavady Hockey club at a number of underage levels, with the club paying an emotional tribute to their former player. "Everyone at Limavady Hockey Club is deeply saddened at the untimely death of former team mate and friend Jessica Glasser," the club said in a statement. "Jessica was a quiet, modest, talented and hardworking young lady with many friends at the club. She played at U13, U15 and in our 3rd XI squad. "It's hard to put into words the shock and sadness we feel hearing about Jessica's passing. The void she leaves behind is testament to the impact she had on the lives of everyone who knew and loved her. "We will remember her fondly with love as the gentle soul she was and always as a beloved member of our hockey family. "We offer our sincerest condolences to Jessica's family and friends at this very difficult time. Rest easy beautiful girl. Jessica was also a talented swimmer who was a member of Limavady Amateur Swimming Club, with club chair Francis McAuley paying tribute to the teenager in a message which read: " Everyone at Limavady Amateur Swimming Club is both shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of former club member Jessica Glasser. "We offer our most sincere condolences to Jessica's family and friends at this most difficult time." Jessica's family have confirmed that her funeral service will be held in her home on Newton Road in Limavady on Tuesday at 12 noon followed by burial in Christ Church Limavady burial ground at 1pm. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Heartbreak as schoolgirl, 18, suddenly dies with tributes pouring in to ‘much-loved daughter'
The schoolgirl's hockey team paid tribute to the "talented" teen TRAGIC LOSS Heartbreak as schoolgirl, 18, suddenly dies with tributes pouring in to 'much-loved daughter' A "MUCH loved" schoolgirl has suddenly died, with tributes pouring in for the young teen. Jessica Rachel Glasser, 18, tragically died on Saturday. Advertisement The Limavady High School paid tribute to the Year 14 student, writing: It is with a heavy heart that we must share the tragic news of the passing of one of our pupils, Jessica Glasser. "Jessica was a caring and friendly character who will be dearly missed by her classmates and the wider Limavady High School community." The 18-year-old from County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, was a hockey player and her club issued a touching statement following her death. "Everyone at Limavady Hockey Club is deeply saddened at the untimely death of former team mate and friend Jessica Glasser. Advertisement "Jessica was a quiet, modest, talented and hardworking young lady with many friends at the club. "It's hard to put into words the shock and sadness we feel hearing about Jessica's passing. The void she leaves behind is testament to the impact she had on the lives of everyone who knew and loved her." Her school principal added: "The entire Limavady High School community is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our Year 14 pupil Jessica," BelfastLive reports. "At this difficult time, we keep in our thoughts and prayers Jessica's parents, David and Mary, her brother Aaron and her whole family circle. Advertisement "May they gather strength in their collective memories of Jessica as they prepare for the tough days, weeks and months ahead." Jessica will be buried at Christ Church Limavady. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Advertisement Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
