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: https://donate.nami.org/give/458424/#...

Sign up here for daily email updates from me, Katie Couric, on the news that matters most to you:
https://katiecouric.com/wake-up-call/...

Subscribe to my channel:    / katiecouric  
Follow me on Instagram:   / katiecouric  
Subscribe to my podcast: ApplePodcasts.com/KatieCouric
Follow me on Facebook:   / katiecouric  
Follow me on Twitter:   / katiecouric