10-07-2025
‘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.
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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).
