Thread by @Brittney_Moses

I've been trying to grapple my mind around the beauty & tragedy of #ChelsieKryst, and what keeps coming to mind is the deep importance of having people and spaces in our lives where we allow ourselves to be fully seen & supported, especially in positions of high expectations.

We don't have to tell the world everything we're going through, but we are all worthy of having a trusted few people or spaces of support where we can surrender expectations and fully show up as ourselves in honesty about our struggles- whether that's therapy or with loved ones.

#CheslieKryst's story is jarring for many because it reminds us that there can be a stark contrast between the cultural image of accomplishment and a person's true inner life. It reminds us that depression can look like success and that the image of success isn't everything.

I think it's worth visting #CheslieKryst's own words from her essay in Allure Magazine:
-"Why work so hard to capture the dreams I’ve been taught by society to want when I continue to only find emptiness?"

Source: allure.com/story/cheslie-…

More of #CheslieKryst's own words:
"I was rewarded with a lonely craving for the next award. Some would see this hunger and label it “competitiveness”; others might call it the unquenchable thirst of insecurity."

Know that #CheslieKryst is not at all alone in what she felt. There are many high-functioning people who struggle with the dissonance between keeping up with expectation and their mental health. Thats why who's around us and the level of honest support they bring, is so important

Thats why giving people the space to be human, creating protections around cyberbullying, knowing the signs of suicide prevention, & de-stigmatizing the conversation around mental health, especially in communities of color, are so important. #CheslieKryst

samfound.org/suicide-info/r…

There are likely so many layers to #CheslieKryst's story that we still don't know and may never know that could've contributed to her mental state. So I'm praying for her family and friends, that they'd be surrounded by love and support during this time. I can only imagine.

I want to highlight that she was so much more than the tragedy that surrounds her and I do think we should aim to remember people by the fullness of their life and not just mark them by their end. #CheslieKryst

Always remember you don't have to sit in your darkest moments alone. At any time you can call the Suicide Prevention hotline [phone] or text "HOME" to 741741 at the @CrisisTextLine to talk to a trained crisis counselor who is genuinely there to listen and support you. ❤️

When things like this happen I usually take time to myself and take a step back from social media for a little while to process what’s happening.

No matter how many conversations I’ve had around suicide, it still shakes me at the core. #CheslieKryst

But I also know a big part of communal grief and healing is being able to put words and language to what we’ve experienced, especially when there are so many unknowns.

So if nothing else, I hope I can bring some validation to what we’re all feeling today 🙏🏽❤️ #CheslieKryst