TEGA CAY, S.C. — A new mental health fund is honoring former Miss USA Cheslie C. Kryst, who died by suicide last year.
Kryst’s family partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to create the Cheslie C. Kryst Memorial Fund for Mental Health. It raises money to support the organization’s mission while honoring Kryst’s life and legacy.
Her mother, April Simpkins, announced the fund at the Miss Universe pageant in January.
“The Cheslie you saw didn’t always match the way she felt inside. Just because someone tells you they’re fine, doesn’t mean they are," Simpkins said. “We all need to listen when we check in on our strong friends, create a safe space so they have room to share, if they are challenged.”
Kryst represented North Carolina when she won the Miss USA pageant in 2019. Before this achievement, Kryst was an attorney with a master’s of business administration.
During her undergraduate career, she was a student athlete at the University of South Carolina.
“In true Cheslie fashion, she worked at the law firm, ran track, participated in student life and still graduated cum laude,” Simpkins said.
She said the entire family enjoys fitness.
“Running together is how we hug, and doing workouts together is how we love on each other,” Simpkins said.
She refers to Kryst as her best friend and recalls them spending quality time together while Simpkins trained for a marathon.
“It would mean everything to me, when she would come in town during my training and we could run together or I could talk to her about how challenging it was,” Simpkins said.
Kryst also involved Simpkins in virtual workouts during the pandemic for the Miss USA Instagram.
Simpkins said for Kryst staying fit helped her mental health.
“Part of managing her depression was focusing on her physical health, in addition to nutrition, talking to her counselor,” Simpkins said.
Kryst, who was an EXTRA-TV correspondent at the time, died by suicide at age 30.
“I miss her physical presence. I still feel like she’s with me,” Simpkins said.
Simpkins said her daughter dealt with high-functioning depression.
“That doesn’t mean when you are doing your job and talking to someone on the red carpet, that you are not struggling inside,” Simpkins said.
According to George Washington University clinical psychology associate professor Dr. Sherry Davis Molock, the descriptive term “high-functioning depression” is used for people who are able to function well in spite of struggling with depression.
“I think those are people who are hidden in plain sight. You know people often will say I’m shocked that this person took their life because everything was going so well,’” Molock said.
Molock said they are often overachieving and strive for perfection.
“Letting people know that you care about them unconditionally, that they don’t have to be perfect for you or for your loved ones,” Molock said.
She advises seeking help during early signs of depression, which include sadness, changes in appetite and sleeping problems.
Simpkins, who is a national ambassador for NAMI, said the Cheslie Kryst fund will help those with high-functioning depression.
“It’s a way to keep Cheslie’s legacy alive, but it’s also a way to support others who are still here with us, who are struggling and need the support,” Simpkins said.
NAMI provides education and support programs in over 650 communities. In addition, the organization has an information and referral helpline and works on advocacy for people affected by mental health conditions.
If you are experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.