PDF Summary:By the Time You Read This, by Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins

By the Time You Read This tells the harrowing story of Cheslie Kryst's rise to fame as Miss USA 2019. On the surface, her success in beauty competitions and subsequent transition into entertainment journalism seemed like the dream. Yet beneath the glamor, Cheslie fought a long battle with depression and suicidal ideation—a struggle that regrettably concluded in her tragic passing.

This unflinching memoir provides raw insights into Cheslie's journey, from overcoming childhood bullying to her national pageant triumphs. It offers a poignant glimpse into her family's efforts to support her mental health challenges, ultimately advocating for greater awareness and open conversation about these issues affecting so many young people today.

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Cheslie Kryst's narrative goes beyond the usual glamour associated with regal headpieces and elegant attire. The story focuses on surmounting the difficulties associated with bullying during one's formative years, pursuing validation through achievements, and facing highly competitive settings with determination and composure. Her steadfast commitment and drive to redefine the traditional role of a beauty queen shone consistently during her participation in the Miss Universe pageant.

Cheslie grappled with psychological well-being challenges, including depression and suicidal ideation.

Cheslie's prolonged struggle with enduring depression.

Cheslie's career path was visibly ascending, but her personal life remained in disarray. Despite halting her career ambitions and devoting most of her free time to her partner, her relationship eventually fell apart. Initially embarking on a project to chronicle her experiences in pageantry, law, and media, she discovered her narrative unexpectedly exploring her deep battle with mental health challenges.

The narrative portrayed a woman engulfed in a ceaseless procession of deep sorrow, mourning for a future that never materialized. Cheslie's sibling utilized a straightforward approach to communication, which positively contributed to the family's tactics in managing her mental health.

Cheslie initially made an attempt on her own life.

Cheslie's mother was first alerted to her daughter's self-harm attempt when an unexpected call from the hospital came through. Cheslie was reluctant to draw her mother deeper into the situation, despite the grave nature of her health issue. Cheslie's mother, grappling with the risk of liver and kidney harm, was confronted with the harrowing decision to hospitalize her daughter contrary to her desires, driven by the intense dread of her daughter potentially not making it through. Once Cheslie had taken her chance, her mother shifted from a protective stance filled with concern to one of steadfast encouragement, understanding that her presence was more crucial for Cheslie than trying to solve her issues for her. Cheslie expressed her suffering and her desire to find tranquility in the afterlife, yearning to be free from the relentless solitude.

Cheslie frequently struggled with feelings of loneliness, deep sadness, and had considerations of self-harm.

Cheslie had long harbored a deep desire to escape the unyielding hold of her depression. She often expressed feelings of isolation, suffered from persistent headaches, and held a belief that she was unworthy. She felt an internal void, as if life was devoid of significance, coupled with a sorrow akin to mourning, and a sense of abandonment by a higher power.

Cheslie's struggle with mental health led to her untimely and heartbreaking death by her own hand.

Cheslie expressed her sorrow and plans through a poignant text message, which was the final communication she had with her mother. It expressed remorse, acknowledged the unwavering support of her mother, the depth of her affection, and the profound loneliness that influenced her choice. The text concluded with a validation of the mother's previous choices and conveyed the deep fondness that Cheslie held.

Cheslie's untimely passing caused deep grief for her family, sending her mother into a state of intense emotional and bodily turmoil, which was marked by episodes of panic and significant disruption to her everyday life. Her deep sadness manifested through considerable health challenges, a noticeable reduction in weight, and a waning sense of happiness.

The loss of Cheslie deeply impacted her relatives as well as the broader community.

The family, overwhelmed by sorrow, sought assistance from a psychologist, their spiritual leader, and a professional specializing in bereavement. The deterioration of both physical fitness and mental well-being was evident, even though social engagements sometimes provided solace. Cheslie's mother dedicated herself to aiding those grappling with mental health issues and endeavored to emphasize the significance of this matter by sharing her daughter's story.

Cheslie left a clear instruction in a note found at her home indicating that her mother should inherit all of her belongings. The mother's grief and shock at the conduct of the police intensified when she learned that a media outlet had acquired her child's private correspondence. The premature passing of Cheslie underscores the pressing necessity to tackle the significant pressures faced by the youth, igniting a campaign to question societal prejudices and underlining the importance of genuine openness and proactive involvement in enhancing mental health.

Cheslie's Career Transition from Law to TV Correspondent

The author recounts the courageous transition Cheslie made from practicing law to the dynamic realm of television journalism.

Cheslie set herself apart by her notable achievements in law and her enduring legacy within the legal community.

Cheslie's early accomplishments and resolute spirit were clearly demonstrated in her legal career.

Cheslie began her legal career with a strong commitment and relentless determination. Cheslie, who was well-versed in the rigorous criteria of her legal profession, possessed degrees in both law and business. She worked as a full-time attorney, often participating in legal arguments, while simultaneously training for the Miss USA contest.

Cheslie grappled with feelings of being an imposter despite her accomplishments as a professional.

Despite her achievements, Cheslie frequently grappled with the nagging worry that her skills might never measure up to those of her peers. She constantly grappled with an internal whisper that incessantly suggested her own insufficiency.

Cheslie embarked on a career in television journalism, eagerly transitioning into this new professional domain.

Cheslie encountered challenges on her journey to becoming a television personality.

Cheslie's opportunity arose when a producer from Extra contacted her, leading to her assignment as a correspondent based in New York. She employed her keen legal acumen, honed through examining witnesses and rapid analytical reasoning, to formulate questions and engage in dialogue with notable personalities such as the esteemed artist Lizzo, and the accomplished actress Zendaya.

Cheslie's burgeoning expertise and enthusiasm for entertainment journalism.

Cheslie discovered that adjusting to her new position was difficult, as it involved overseeing a timetable that often shifted. Her journalistic prowess was recognized through her being shortlisted for an Emmy award. Cheslie's achievements and prominence in entertainment journalism were underscored by her role in presenting at distinguished events, including the pageant for American teenage girls.