Celebrities Open Up About Mental Health Struggles: The Impact of Depression on Well-Known Figures

Depression is a debilitating condition that affects many people, including well-known figures like Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and pop singer Selena Gomez. The recent passing of Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst on January 30, 2022, shed light on her battle with imposter syndrome and high-functioning depression, as detailed in her upcoming memoir co-authored by her mother April Simpkins. Despite her impressive academic credentials, successful career, and the Miss USA crown, Cheslie struggled with feelings of inadequacy and not fitting in.

The pressure of success was overwhelming, especially compounded by the online harassment she faced after winning the pageant in 2019. In her memoir, Cheslie candidly shared how the cyberbullying only exacerbated her existing insecurities and intensified her imposter syndrome. She expressed in an excerpt from the book how she constantly felt like she was not as capable as others, and that she was undeserving of her accomplishments.

Furthermore, Cheslie wrote about the constant battle she faced with her mental health, even after achieving her dreams. Her mother, April, reflected on the heartbreaking moment she discovered her daughter's suicide and the enduring struggle Cheslie had with depression. The memoir, titled "The Space Between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness," is set to be released on April 23, with proceeds contributing to the Cheslie C.Kryst Foundation, aimed at providing support for mental health programs targeting young adults. Through sharing her story, Cheslie's legacy continues to advocate for mental health awareness and support for those battling with similar challenges.