May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, which allows us to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and break the stigma surrounding it. Mental health affects us all, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. However, due to societal stigma and discrimination, many people hesitate to talk about their mental health or seek help when needed. It’s time to change that. We can create a more supportive and understanding community by breaking the stigma and opening conversations about mental health.
Cheslie Kryst a bright individual
To raise mental health awareness WIS joins a national movement during this month. Mental health has a different definition for almost everyone, but let’s talk about Cheslie Kryst, a University of South Carolina graduate, who embarked as a symbol for her mother to help people with depression. She accomplished a lot of titles in her life, like being a licensed attorney, a D1 athlete, Miss USA 2019, daughter, mother, sister, and in the end, an Emmy Award-nominates Television host.
Helping people with depression
Even though she accomplished all this in her life, she was found dead in January 2022 by committing suicide. Her mother, April Simpkins, confirmed that Kryst was battling high-functioning depression. Her death impacted April very severely but still, she managed to get up and do all the things that could help people battling mental health issues.
April didn’t let Kryst’s death take her away from the meaning of life. Instead, she became a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and got a certification in mental health first-aid.
Cheslie C. Kryst Memorial Fund for Mental Health
The family of Kryst decided to partner up with NAMI to help the cause of supporting people with mental illness. And right after one year after Kryst’s death, her family joined hands with NAMI and created the Cheslie C. Kryst Memorial Fund for Mental Health. This is to honor the life and legacy of Kryst while providing help to people who are struggling with mental health.
