What lies beneath the polished exterior of a successful public figure’s life? How can someone who seems to have it all still battle devastating depression?
In the book By the Time You Read This, April Simpkins reveals the hidden struggles of Cheslie Kryst, her daughter. Cheslie Kryst’s depression remained largely invisible to the public eye while she maintained a thriving career in law, pageantry, and media.
Keep reading to discover the profound story behind Cheslie Kryst’s battle with depression and her mother’s mission to raise awareness about mental health.
Cheslie Kryst’s Depression
For Cheslie Kryst, depression was a long-term and deeply rooted struggle, affecting many aspects of her life. She also battled other mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts.
Though her professional life appeared to be thriving, Cheslie’s personal life was in turmoil. Despite putting her career aspirations on hold and dedicating most of her free time to her relationship, it ultimately ended. When she began writing about her experiences in pageantry, law, and media, she found herself instead documenting her intense struggle with mental health.
The severity of Cheslie’s condition became apparent when she first attempted to take her own life. Her mother learned of this through an unexpected hospital call, though Cheslie was hesitant to involve her mother further, despite the serious nature of her condition. Faced with the possibility of liver and kidney damage, her mother had to make the difficult decision to hospitalize Cheslie against her wishes, driven by the fear of losing her daughter.
Throughout her struggle, Cheslie frequently battled feelings of loneliness, depression, and thoughts of self-harm. She desperately wanted to break free from depression’s grip. She often described feeling alone, experienced chronic headaches, and struggled with feelings of worthlessness. Life felt meaningless to her, filled with a grief-like sadness, and she felt abandoned by any higher power.
Cheslie Kryst’s Death
In her final communication with her mother, Cheslie sent a heartfelt text message expressing her deep remorse and final thoughts. The message acknowledged her mother’s constant support, conveyed Cheslie’s profound love, and revealed the overwhelming loneliness that influenced her decision. She also validated her mother’s past choices and expressed her deep affection one last time.
The sudden loss of Cheslie devastated her family, particularly her mother, who experienced severe emotional and physical trauma. Her mother suffered from panic attacks and significant disruptions to her daily routine. The profound grief manifested in serious health issues, substantial weight loss, and a diminished sense of joy.
Overwhelmed by their loss, the family sought help from multiple sources: a psychologist, their religious leader, and a grief counselor. Despite finding occasional comfort in social interactions, their physical and mental health notably declined. Cheslie’s mother channeled her grief into advocacy, working to help others struggling with mental health issues and sharing her daughter’s story to highlight the importance of mental health awareness.
