Miss USA Cheslie Kryst’s Mother Speaks About Her Successes, Struggles, and Suicide

Cheslie Kryst died by suicide on January 30th, 2022. Before she took her life she asked her mother, April Simpkins, to publish the manuscript she had written chronicling her life and journey to becoming Miss USA. In my conversation with April she talks about picking up Cheslie’s narrative where she left off, what her daughter was like as a child, whether or not participating in pageants exacerbated Cheslie’s mental health issues, and what she’s hoping readers take away from the book titled “By the Time You Read This: The Space between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness―Her Story in Her Own Words.”
If you or someone you know are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Para ayuda en español, llame al 988.
Cheslie's family is supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness to honor her legacy an provide help and hope to others experiencing mental health challenges.Your donation honoring Cheslie's memory will help ensure that individuals and families affected by mental challenges are not alone on their journey. To donate to the Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation for Mental Health go to: donate.nami.or...
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[@gigilamoore2656]

There should be millions of views for this video. So much good information and I understand Cheslie so much more. Mama, you remain in my thoughts and your beautiful Cheslie remains in my memory. Signed, a fellow black woman struggling with depression and anxiety.

[@tammyg8031]

My heart goes out to you. I suffered from a deep depression for nearly 5 yesrs...no one understood and many blew me off..Thanks for articulating this disease well.

[@ggcruise]

How very generous to share your pain openly to help others. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you peace.

[@mtnpeace2]

What a strong, vulnerable, authentic, and very beautiful soul. Her loss, and her family’s, is unimaginable, yet she chooses to bare her grief-stricken heart and teach us all about depressive illness. I admire her and appreciate all her efforts, especially as a 76 year old woman who has struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life! Thank God we are beginning to talk about it and acknowledge the reality, rather than hiding it in shame for fear of judgment or categorizing it as being lazy, not snapping out of it, mentally crazy, and on and on! Thank you so much to all working to get this to us!❤️🦋🙏

[@donnabaardsen5372]

❤️❤️🙏🙏🌻

[@benjipamkaplan796]

Thank you for BRAVELY sharing your heart

[@diyafalife4]

She is so eloquent. Love hearing her speak and I really feel for her. I bought their book

[@donnabaardsen5372]

This is the most moving story Katie has ever shared. God bless this darling mother. Two beautiful souls🙏🙏😪😪❤️❤️

[@Alisacrooks4491]

This has got to be the most realest, vulnerable, and heart pulling interview that I have ever watched. Mrs. April words hit it right on the head of how living with depressed feels like. As a fan of Cheslie, her book feel like a gift to hear from her one last time and to have closure. It is also a reminder that as we navigate through life we need to take care of love ourselves and these around us. ❤

[@YA-dp8iz]

Chesley worked herself so hard at acheiving perceived 'perfectionism' -- it must have been so draining//futile trying to be everything to everyone . A dual JD/MBA program preceded a prior mental health breakdown, + the multiple beauty pageants .. I can't imagine the endless effort in trying to get every single strand of hair, every single nail on her hand to look just so. She speaks to all of this on her social media accts, RIP Chesley💜🙏🙏✨️

[@XimenaZhao415]

Beautiful mother and child, inside and out. Such a loss to the world. Thank you for sharing your story. It's so inspiring to keep going as a Woman of Color.

[@patriciadimichele1850]

You are an amazing women and mom. Thank you so much for sharing so openly. It will help many.

[@Retroglamamour]

Powerful interview! ❤️ in tears. 🥺 Cheslie made a huge impact on so many people. I was so shocked and upset when I read the news of her passing, I thought someone was playing a prank. I know all of us think to ourselves, what we would do to have her still here with us 🥺🙏🏻 I hope her story helps someone accept the help they need instead of minimizing until they can’t anymore💔

[@MJSL1051]

I just finished reading BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS. I am so touched by Cheslie and April's story. As a mother and someone who struggles with depression, I can certainly relate. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for April, but she is so strong! Cheslie Kryst, was and still is a beautiful and amazing soul. I hope her story resonates with those experiencing similar situations and encourages them to seek help.

[@esiler8801]

I truly admire your strength. You offer survivors of this tragedy a hope that is unmatched in many of the bereavement circles I have visited. Thank you for your words....it speaks to my soul. God Bless you April.

[@woodymoore6312]

I'm currently reading Cheslie's/April's book, and it's very impactful. Becoming acquainted with the term "Imposter Syndrome" has been eye-opening for me personally. For most of my 65 years I've been struggling with persistent depression, feeling like I was less than others, and fearful that eventually everybody else would find out just how inferior I was. Every unkind or thoughtless word reinforced my belief that I was a nobody. Perhaps the worst part was believing that I was the only one who felt that way, which, in my distorted way of thinking, was proof that it must be true. How comforting it is to realize that Cheslie was a kindred spirit. Thank you, Katie and April, for sharing more of Cheslie's story. May the good you do come back to you.

[@beththomas4153]

Bless you. April. Thanks for publishing Cheslie's writing. She's just precious. ❤

[@remstew7517]

8:05-9:00 That’s true - every day is a victory when you have depression and it takes enormous amounts of energy to keep going. Nobody talks about the exhaustion. She alluded to it in her final post. Thank you to her mother for bringing awareness to this horrendous illness and may she be comforted ❤️

[@beautifulone5509]

I think there is a lot that her mother isn't saying. Her 1st suicide attempt was in her early twenty's. There had to have been signs early on as a teen or even younger. What was happening in this family and her life in childhood??

[@aimeeamigone2717]

How could anyone say anything about her body????? She was lovely and beautiful❤

[@jm2307]

People with hate in their heart will see someone who shines brightly & they’ll immediately fill with rage. They start scanning for things that they can criticize, but often there’s nothing real for them to cling to. So they make things up. Maybe it’s the ways in which that person deviates from societal norms (which are rooted in biases & lies but at least are popular enough to get other hateful people to gang up on). Maybe they create their own lie and convince others to believe it. It’s easier to drown things like this out when it’s one lone angry person without support, but for proudly Black / melanated women there is usually an inherent collective disdain or disregard for them. Hate for these women is readily available and more than one person of a more socially privileged / protected identity is eager to join in on the passive & active vitriol. It’s a sad reality that most people are unwilling to admit to, and most people will never need to admit it unless it happens to someone they actually care about. Hopefully the world will learn to treat others with respect & kindness. It’ll be essential to call out those who fail to do so publicly, and make them ashamed of their own toxic (yet unfortunately normalized) behavior.

[@gigilamoore2656]

Unhappy people will criticize regardless. It is the nature of this society, unfortunately.

[@carolynspence1836]

Iam reading her book now.. she was just so beautiful ❤

[@ToOpen6seven]

Such a beautiful woman who articulated her pain and what her gorgeous daughter went through. God bless you. Always know that God loves you and He is always there.

[@Mama_T_448]

This video is soooo Beautiful and Important ❤️💔❤️💔❤️

[@xlkarma8446]

Thank you mom. Don’t judge yourself. We, as suicidal individuals don’t judge anyone else. We will do whatever to do the worst. It’s not about fault or blame. It just is.

[@tjbmom123]

Very well stated, my prayers are with her Mom and family 💔🙏🏽

[@DanielleBrenes]

What a powerful message. Chelsie was a stunning person (inside and out),just like mom. Shoutout to others who are struggling.... sending some ❤ your way

[@antiafrosvengalis]

Very sad. I however, would like to hear more about her childhood-adolescent-teen years. Her mom moves quickly through these stages. A big chunk seems to be missing.

[@gigilamoore2656]

I actually think it was a great, indepth video.

[@elliebenavi8811]

I understand the struggle...Cheslie was unique and so sweet! Why?? Is a question that repeats itself...😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@gabrielomondi4630]

Life is so complex...this story just confirms that

[@XOMalia-d3j]

this was beautiful, thank you April

[@PiscesH]

This is so sad I remember when this happened I so wish she could’ve gotten help! Beautiful soul 😢

[@pauletteclough1002]

You are amazing mother to your wonderfull daughter may her soul rest in peace 🙏 god blessing 🙌 ❤❤❤👸

[@STAE207]

God, not god.

[@rneea.6601]

I'm so hurt

[@macyassefa7802]

Let us stand by each other, PLEASE!!!

[@itielelpida]

I am sooooo sorry for your loss! May Lord Jesus give you strength beautiful mama.

[@brooklynusa670]

So sad. Thank you for not blaming Miss USA because at least the pageant some happiness to her life

[@wakeuppeople5815]

What a beautiful Mom and you raised a beautiful daughter and that light she had you can pick up her torch and breathe life into others

[@KeonnahMonique]

Amen you said a mouth full 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@J.Crooner]

Depression is one thing but I can't shake away the feeling that something far more sinister happened with Cheslie. This beautiful woman had absolutely everything to live for. Let's simply take a look at her achievements in life. In order to achieve what she achieved your mental health capacity would have to be in outstanding condition by default. The level of focus it takes to do what Cheslie did speaks for itself. Now if she did all of these things and didn't achieve any of her goals then I could see how she could fall into depression but that's not the case here. The gifts Cheslie was born with is something millions of people would kill to have and i'm quite sure she was aware of that too. That in itself makes it even more peculiar that she would opt to take her own life at the pinnacle of her career. It makes no sense. The only thing I could think of outside of murder that would cause Cheslie to take her own life is if she discovered something about herself that she couldn't see herself living with like a terminal illness for example. When medical tragedies find their way into our lives for many they simply throw in the towel and give up. I'm not saying this happened to Cheslie but a lot of people in life who achieve great things when they are faced terminal illnesses they panic and go into a mental crisis. Also when people make huge mistakes that leads to permanent diseases they opt to commit suicide simply to avoid public shame. It happens more than you think especially when you can't make sense of a tragedy on the surface. In either case it is a devastating loss and Cheslie will always be sincerely missed forever.🙏

[@JungleYT]

*Well, I have absolutely no doubt that she was somehow suffering mentally... You could see it in her face, see it in her eyes in some of her videos and appearances on shows. She was definitely going through something near the end. I've analysed this case thoroughly and it appears she may have had a little help ending her life? Possibly to help end her pain... Almost like a "mercy killing" or an assisted suic!de? So many things point in that direction... So, whatever happened was very well planned... The missing video of her final moments and how far she landed out in the street are two of the biggest Red Flags... The NYPD is just lazy or knows something they're not telling us. Not exactly open--and-shut to those of us looking beyond the surface*

[@J.Crooner]

@@JungleYT I totally agree with you. Her landing in the street in the location she did certainly is a definitive red flag in my book. For all the people who genuinely loved Cheslie she had 10x the amount of people in the world who hated her because of her natural gifts and she had plenty. The jealousy is very real and Cheslie had it all and so much more to give. I don't believe she was even aware that she was actually a celebrity and in fact needed a personal 24hr a day bodyguard just so that this type of situation couldn't happen particularly in the way it did. Remember the video with the creepy guy with a dog following her around while she was getting filmed on a walking trail in the city? That was a bad sign then and he would of been the very first person under investigation. Where was he when Cheslie so called jumped to her demise? She specifically told him to stop and even go the other way but he only had excuses, became combative, and didn't listen.😳 We need answers.🤔

[@JungleYT]

@@J.Crooner *Right... And notice how we NEVER heard anything more about that guy in the park? We also never heard anything more about the alleged two witnesses who saw her body down on the street, according to "Sun" article... And NEVER found out WHO it was who last saw her up on the 29th or WHERE they were when they saw her??? WHO leaked the contents of alleged letter left behind in her condo when that should have been CONFIDENTIAL information as part of an investigation? So many open and unanswered questions... It really seems like a coverup and I'm NOT one of thoze conspiracy types, etc. One psychic - been open to everything - believes it was possibly somebody on police department posing as her security, since she was feeling threatened?*

[@JungleYT]

@@J.Crooner *This POS platform just TOOK DOWN my follow-up response... I swear, these platforms are OBSOLETE pieces of TRASH that inhibit any intelligent and meaningful dialogue...*

[@JungleYT]

@@J.Crooner *Platform CENSORED my follow-up...*

[@aimeeamigone2717]

God love her and this mother❤

[@MsLB-lm9mu]

Her mom is the epitome of "she gets it from her mama"😊

[@funkyflights]

Mental illness is real, it can affect anyone at anytime, so never judge, just lift up if you can … I wish your daughter absolute peace… She deserves it, I wish you peace as well … ❤

[@liubakazakevic9818]

I know i am going to be the next Cheslie. No, i am not that beautiful and i am white and from Europe. But i suffer from severe depression and OCD and i feel suicidal most of the time. I am also all alone in this world. My dear Mom died in 2022, i never knew my Father, i am single and i have no kids and even no siblings. Being completely alone in this world is horrible and terrifying. I just want to die and be with my Mom and Grandmom again (if it's even possible! If not, then i will just sleep with no dreams forever). There is no point in this life and no reason to go on. I do understand how Cheslie felt, i do know her pain and she DID have the right to do what she did! I love you Cheslie and April, please, you have to stay strong!

[@nikibarbiewu4663]

Stay strong hun😢 Easier said than done 🙏 Please get help if you can 🫂

[@woodymoore6312]

@@nikibarbiewu4663 You are a worthwhile person. I share some of your struggles. If you haven't already, please reach out for help. I take medication, and it makes a big difference. Even though I don't know you, I care.

[@divine2297]

Jesus is with you! Don’t end yourself. Lean on God, read the Bible. Play the audio kjv Bible. Trust God and Jesus❤

[@staceywalters]

Please don't kill yourself get help there is help

[@bukikaholmes1172]

As long as you are here, you have purpose even though it’s a daily struggle. You can’t do it alone please reach out for help through counseling and whomever is in your life. I’m praying that God will send destiny helpers to be a support to you and to strengthen and comfort you through every moment.

[@xlkarma8446]

Bless you. May “GOD” bring you peace .

[@aimeeamigone2717]

Depression is a mthr fkr. Up and down struggle. No joke

[@kimjohnson8471]

Very sad😢

[@slaws2279]

I wish she didn’t do this to herself 💔 Maybe it would’ve helped her to know that she wasn’t alone in how she felt.

[@marysmith3761]

Getting help is expensive.

[@FrancisKinsleyJr]

Or you can get treated like a criminal at the county crisis unit. I would rather die on the streets than be in that HELL HOLE!

[@siddaye]

Whats nami ?​@johnsullivan6025

[@bukikaholmes1172]

Check your local Health and Human Services Department for resources and also some nonprofits to inquire about mental health assistance. If you have a doctor, see what options are available to you. See if you can get state insurance if you are eligible and some places have a sliding scale fee option. Hope that helps and praying for assistance for you.

[@test-do1gc]

you're right. Esp getting good mental health or having a large variety. Big cities have more resources and also people w more open minds.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

This was so sad. Beautiful girl. And she took her life smh. I pray she repented before the lord and she is went the lord. Very beautiful young lady and so sad what happened to her mentally.

[@proudblackwoman4824]

You're SAD. Go repent for the comment you made.

[@thomaswilson7441]

🤍💯🎯👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@myrnaa8082]

🙏🏾

[@itielelpida]

PRAY FOR PROTECTION! ..the devil is against us ..he wants to destroy each one of us! Read your Bible asking God for wisdom and clarity guidance and help in every situation.

[@STAE207]

Right.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I know the funny i lost 2 moms cancer. Everything it is hard..❤

[@mandybradley3079]

She was extremely unhappy, and told no close family? Or was she clinically depressed? Sad situation.

[@Youtuber5775-]

The mother is very open about her daughter’s struggles with depression because she committed suicide. She was a beautiful young woman with the whole world at her feet. 😢

[@MsDisneylandlover]

​@@KZbinr5775-i guess she didn't see it that way. She beautiful and so smart. Smh.

[@test-do1gc]

yes, she suffered from down moods daily. And also had a previous s attempt. Not sure if she was naturally like this or was due to environment. But she was clinically diagnosed w "persistent depressive disorder." Not sure why she wasn't actively under the care of a psychiatrist or on medications.

[@macyassefa7802]

Let her be??? Let her be. I'll only ask what is "functioning depression?"

[@RichardBroussard-t6y]

We got rid of BMI obesity scale because African descendants are always measured as overweight even me for my height because of muscle density

[@RichardBroussard-t6y]

Ms Black Philippines Covington Tennessee Ms Tennessee winner M. Heaston Ms USA or Ms America contestant

[@antiafrosvengalis]

Where is her father and what role did he play (or not) in her life?

[@antiafrosvengalis]

@Loveabounds. He said that he believed she took her life due to "family dysfunction."

[@bukikaholmes1172]

@Loveabounds. Polish American.

[@HoneySuckle123]

3:47 😘

[@edithh1985e]

I don't think she could jump herself, someone kills people!

[@RichardBroussard-t6y]

Shout to my habitat Amanpour and company Connie Chung Elizabeth Vargas don’t give up alcohol recovery Rest In Peace Matthew Perry

[@BRAIRCO]

They are all hypocrites, they keep talking about "Christy" but no one says that her big conflict was that she was LESBIAN and didn't know how to handle the issue. They talk a lot but hide everything.

[@kimjackson557]

Please explain how you know this

[@killingtimewithsimone3243]

Can you provide some more details ?

[@Jaycarbrownie12]

Sounds like you hoped she was lesbian lol

[@YA-dp8iz]

I cant speak to Chesley's orientation, but she did work herself so hard at acheiving perceived 'perfectionism' -- it must have been so draining//futile trying to be everything to everyone . A dual JD/MBA program preceded a prior mental health breakdown, + the multiple beauty pageants .. I can't imagine the endless effort in trying to get every single strand of hair, every single nail on her hand to look just so. She speaks to all of this on her social media accts, RIP Chesley💜🙏🙏✨️

[@angelawright7258]

Not sincere 😢

[@richardbocanegra5945]

Another example why they need to do away with beauty pageants .. as well as these creepy stage mothers. Tragic when she jumped out of her high rise apt .. bad parenting.

[@macyassefa7802]

Never cast a judgement i iuntil you walk in the shoes she did? Your boy is out robbing somebody?

[@macyassefa7802]

In jail? Figured!

[@macyassefa7802]

Best mom advice, for sure!!!!

[@macyassefa7802]

If only her sons were squeaky clean...

[@bamgold4677]

Your beautiful are you single. I'm sorry for your loss.