April Simpkins received a heartbreaking text message from her daughter Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA, on the day she died by suicide in January 2022. Kryst had struggled with depression, which was not widely known to those around her. Simpkins immediately traveled to New York City, where her daughter had been living, to confirm the devastating news. The loss of her daughter prompted Simpkins to share her story to raise awareness about mental health issues and the struggles people face in silence.
Kryst’s posthumous memoir, “By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness,” includes her own writings before her death along with Simpkins’ reflections on grief and self-forgiveness. The book details Kryst’s thoughts during her time as Miss USA in 2019, as well as her battles with depression and feelings of inadequacy. Despite her success as a beauty pageant winner and TV correspondent, Kryst grappled with impostor syndrome and negative self-talk.
Behind Kryst’s public persona as a confident and bubbly individual, she struggled with persistent depressive disorder and feelings of loneliness. She was intentional about breaking stereotypes and celebrating diverse beauty on camera, but privately, she faced internal battles that ultimately led to her suicide. Kryst’s hospitalization following a suicide attempt in 2015 was briefly mentioned in a 2021 article, but details were not disclosed until after her death, leaving her mother grappling with guilt and shame over her decision to hospitalize her daughter against her will.
Kryst’s suicide note, discovered at her apartment in New York City, included words of forgiveness and closure for her mother, offering Simpkins peace after years of questioning her actions during Kryst’s first suicide attempt. In the aftermath of her daughter’s death, Simpkins founded the Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation to provide resources and grants to nonprofits supporting mental health and wellness for teens and young adults. The foundation aims to carry on Kryst’s legacy of giving back and mentoring young girls, emphasizing the importance of connection and reaching out for help.
Kryst’s story sheds light on the nuances of depression and mental health struggles, highlighting the importance of open conversations and seeking help when needed. Simpkins hopes that sharing her daughter’s story will help others going through similar challenges to feel less alone and to prioritize their mental well-being. Through the foundation and the publication of Kryst’s memoir, Simpkins aims to honor her daughter’s memory and continue her mission of supporting mental health awareness and wellness for young people. By sharing Kryst’s story, Simpkins hopes to inspire connection and understanding around mental health issues and the importance of seeking help in times of need.
