Alum Jason Rosenthal ’82 Talks Grief and Mental Health at Morning Ex

Alum and parent emeritus Jason Rosenthal ’82 returned to the Morning Ex stage to discuss young people’s mental health today and tell his unique story of grief and loss. 

Rosenthal began with the loss of his wife, author and short film maker Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2017. Just 10 days before her passing, The New York Times published her article “You May Want to Marry My Husband” in its “Modern Love” series. 

In the article, Krouse Rosenthal left an intentional blank space for Rosenthal and his future new partner to start their new life. Rosenthal discussed how filling this “blank space” is mostly dealing with the empty space created from grief. “Loss is loss is loss, unique for everyone, but a shared story for all,” he said.

After Krouse Rosenthal’s death, Rosenthal left his career as a lawyer, went back to school and became a practicing therapist specializing in grief and loss. This work connected him with Parker’s MENtal Health Club, which invites male students to open up about mental health topics like stress, anxiety and toxic masculinity. 

He discussed the current mental health crisis among young people and the losses they are facing in areas including identity, self-esteem and core social skills. Rosenthal said that social media in particular is having negative effects like poor sleep and depression, and he recommended students use it with intention as opposed to endlessly scrolling. 

Additionally, Rosenthal believes the more we normalize grief and loss, the more people benefit. “We don’t move on from grief, we carry it with us,” he observed. He encouraged students to ask for help—a sign of strength, not weakness.

He ended his talk with a reminder to do as his wife did and walk through the world with kindness. He said, “Honor each other, ask for help and build a school where everyone belongs.”

When alumni come back to share their stories, they remind the Parker community of its power and its ability to connect with one another over shared experiences. Rosenthal’s daughter Paris ’15, Lyle Logan ’15 and David Lipschultz ’82 also attended to support Rosenthal. Parker appreciates alumni coming back to share their expertise with students.

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