Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, naglabas ng saloobin si April Simpkins, ang 53-year-old mother ni Miss USA 2019 at EXTRA TV show correspondent Cheslie Kryst.
Ito ay makalipas ang tatlong araw, o noong January 30, 2022, mula nang wakasan ni Cheslie ang sariling buhay sa New York City. Si Cheslie ay 30 taong gulang.
"I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed," ang makadurog-puso na pahayag ni April.
Si April ay former beauty queen din gaya ng kanyang anak dahil siya ang kinoronahan na Mrs. North Carolina U.S. noong 2002.
Isiniwalat ni April na hindi nila alam ng kanilang pamilya na nagdurusa sa "high-functioning depression" si Cheslie, na isang masayahing tao ang pagkakakilala ng lahat.
"Today, what our family and friends privately knew was the cause of death of my sweet baby girl, Cheslie, was officially confirmed.
"While it may be hard to believe, it’s true. Cheslie led both a public and a private life.
"In her private life, she was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone — including me, her closest confidant — until very shortly before her death."
Sa kabila nito, nais alalahanin ni April ang galing at kabutihang-loob ng anak noong nabubuhay ito.
Madamdaming pahayag pa ni April: "While her life on this earth was short, it was filled with many beautiful memories. We miss her laugh, her words of wisdom, her sense of humor and mostly her hugs. We miss all of it — we miss all of her.
"She was a vital part of our family which makes this loss even more devastating.
"Cheslie — to the world, you were a ball of sunshine wrapped in smiles.
"We talked, FaceTimed or texted one another all day, every day. You were more than a daughter — you were my very best friend. Talking with you was one of the best parts of my day. Your smile and laugh were infectious.
"I love you baby girl with all my heart. I miss you desperately. I know one day we’ll be together again.
"Until then, rest easy and in peace."
Pinasalamatan ng ina ni Cheslie ang publiko dahil sa pagrespeto sa pribadong pagluluksa ng kanilang pamilya.
Ang popular television host na si Oprah Winfrey ang isa sa mga nakiramay sa pagdadalamhati ng pamilya ni Cheslie.
Nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Cheslie na makapanayam si Oprah para sa EXTRA TV noong January 2020 at isa ito sa mga itinuturing niyang hindi makalilimutan na karanasan.
"Such a Beautiful Soul she was. Holding you and your family in thought. And hoping for your comfort in memories of loving her," ang mensahe ng pakikiramay na ipinarating ni Oprah sa ina ni Cheslie.
Ang depresyon ay seryosong usapin.
May mga organisasyong handang tumulong sa mga taong dumaraan sa ganitong kondisyon. Katulad na lamang ng National Center for Mental Health na inilunsad ng Department of Health.
Maaari silang tawagan sa mga sumusunod na 24/7 hotline: 0917 899 8727 (USAP); at 989 8727 (USAP)