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In their co-written memoir, “By The Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness,” April Simpkins revealed the private agony her daughter, Cheslie Kryst, faced for years. News that the bubbly entertainment reporter had died by suicide was incomprehensible to many, but Simpkins understood the depths of her daughter’s long struggle with depression.
In an exclusive interview with People, Simpkins shared that the act that took the former Miss USA’s life was not the first attempt.
Kryst, a high achieving lawyer, MBA, and pageant queen, always embodied excellence. She shined at the top of her middle and high school classes, and as captain of the cheer squad and track team. She went on to study at the University of South Carolina for undergrad. She then pursued a double degree at Wake Forest University while competing for the title of Miss North Carolina. It was at this time in 2015, things became too much for her to handle.
“I was blindsided,” Simpkins told People of the news of Kryst’s first suicide attempt. “I thought we could talk about anything, so when I got that phone call, I’m playing through conversations in my head, thinking ‘Why didn’t she feel comfortable enough to talk to me?’”
Simpkin’s story is unfortunately like many others, she did not recognize her loved one was at risk.
SEE ALSO: How To Perform Mental Health Screenings At Home
During this Suicide Prevention Month, we want you to be educated on how to identify suicide risk in loved ones and yourself, and be equipped to provide and receive support.
According to the Mayo Clinic, suicidal thoughts have many causes. However, they are most often the result of one feeling like they can’t cope with an overwhelming life situation. Lacking hope for the future can lead one to mistakenly thinking suicide is the only solution.
Understanding what causes suicidal thoughts can give power to mitigate them. Common causes include:
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, agitated, socially isolated or lonely
- Substance abuse — alcohol and drug abuse can worsen thoughts of suicide and make you feel reckless or impulsive enough to act on your thoughts
- Underlying psychiatric disorder, such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder
- A family history of mental disorders, substance abuse, suicide, or violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- A medical condition that can be linked to depression and suicidal thinking, such as chronic disease, chronic pain or terminal illness
- Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender with an unsupportive family or in a hostile environment
- Being the victim of bullying
- Reading or hearing an account of suicide or knowing a peer who died by suicide
- Great guilt or shame
- Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Recognizing Warning Signs of Suicide
Recognizing behaviors associated with suicidal risk can help to prevent attempts. Common behavioral changes include:
- Eccentric, overzealous or passionate conduct
- Making a plan or researching ways to die
- Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
- Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Eating or sleeping more or less
- Using drugs or alcohol more often
The Mayo Clinic suggests getting necessary help if yourself or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Mental health treatment and establishing support are methods of preventing suicidal thoughts and attempts.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or visit crisistextline.org to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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