“My life’s purpose has changed and I realize more clearly my life’s mission to continue to shine a light on mental health and wellness,” Simpkins wrote in his memoir.
Simpkins also discusses her daughter’s struggle with high-functioning depression. The term, which is not an official medical diagnosis, describes depression in people who maintain, or even appear to thrive in, happy, productive lives, experts told Business Insider.
Kryst died on January 30, 2022. She was 30 years old. Benjamin Askinas/The Miss Universe Organization
“Although they are successful and often leaders in their fields, these individuals live their lives much like running a race with a weight belt carrying an extra 100 pounds,” John Huber, a psychologist at Mainstream Mental Health, told Healthline .
Kryst was a lawyer, journalist and Miss USA titleholder
Kryst won the Miss USA title in 2019 while representing North Carolina and made the top 10 at Miss Universe that same year. She has also been a lawyer in complex litigation and worked as a presenter for Extra TV.
In a statement sent to BI after Kryst’s death, Simpkins said that although her daughter’s “life on this earth was short, it was filled with many beautiful memories.”
“We miss his laugh, his words of wisdom, his sense of humor and especially his hugs,” she said. “We miss it all, we miss her entirely. Cheslie – to the world you were a ball of sunshine wrapped in smiles.”
Simpkins added that she “talks, FaceTimes or texts” her daughter “all day, every day.”
Miss USA Cheslie Kryst participated in the Miss Universe 2019 pageant. Miss Universe
“You were more than a girl, you were my best friend,” Simpkins said. “Talking with you was one of the best parts of my day. Your smile and laugh were contagious. I love you, little girl, with all my heart. I miss you desperately. I know that one day we will be together again. Until then, rest easy and peaceful.”
Kryst has worked pro bono with clients serving long sentences for minor drug offenses. She helped free a client sentenced to life in prison. She has also spent years raising money for the nonprofits Dress for Success and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and has also used her platform to support Black Lives Matter.
In 2019, Kryst was part of a historic moment where Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss America were all awarded to women of color. She told Business Insider at the time that being part of such a group was “surreal.”
“I just think it’s an important moment,” she said. “And maybe people can take that inspiration to other areas of their lives.”
Technology and entertainment professionals may be vulnerable to high-functioning depression
About 8.4 percent of Americans 18 and older experience major depressive disorder each year, reports the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It is more common in women than in men and the average age of onset is 32.5 years.
Dr. Mimi Winsberg, Brightside’s psychiatrist and chief medical officer, told BI that clinicians view depression on a spectrum from mild to severe, and also take into account patients’ level of functioning. Can they get out of bed? Go to work? Get involved socially?
“Most often, severity correlates with a lower level of functioning, but some people may experience severe depression, or even suicidal ideation, while continuing to function at a high level in their outward-facing lives,” she declared.
Winsberg lives in San Francisco and worked as a psychiatrist at Facebook. She says that top performers in the tech and entertainment industries may be forced to hide their internal pain due to “pressure to maintain public appearances, or an environment that does not culturally sanction depression or in which lower levels of functioning are less acceptable.”
Getting help can be difficult because it “may involve recognizing a vulnerability and slowing down,” Winsberg said.
If you suspect a loved one is struggling — unstable mood, sleep, relationships and substance abuse can be clues, but not always — encourage them to seek treatment, Winsberg said.
“Good treatments are available, even online and in the comfort of your home,” she added.
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