Cheslie Kryst Miss USA — Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA (Getty Images)

Have you or a loved one felt depressed? You’re not alone. It’s not uncommon, and we’re here to help.

Disclaimer: This article discusses a sensitive topic and can be triggering to some individuals.

Have you or a loved one felt depressed? You’re not alone. It’s not uncommon, and we’re here to help.

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a serious mental illness, which impacts a person’s feelings, thoughts, and actions (APA). Depression is a multifaceted illness. It does not discriminate–it can affect people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and it can present itself differently in everyone.

As recent news about Miss USA Cheslie Kryst’s tragic death spread across the nation, we are once again reminded of importance of depression and mental health care. Ms. Kryst is not the first celebrity to end their own life. For example, Chester Bennington, singer of Linkin Park, ended his life after a long battle with depression. Also, Per Yngve Ohlin, better known by his stage name Dead, felt apathy toward life from a young age, and ultimately, passed away from suicide.

Each time someone takes their own life, a conversation starts about depression and suicide prevention, but unfortunately, the conversation seems to fade. Rates of suicide have been climbing, especially among youth during the worldwide pandemic. According to The Dallas Morning News, “Suicide rates for those ages 10 to 24 have risen by 50% over the last two decades, and some educators are calling the increase a public health crisis.”

Not all who are depressed or have mental health issues end their own lives, but it does happen. That’s why it’s so important to remove the stigma of depression and suicide, so those hurting don’t suffer in silence and are able to seek treatment and help.

To help our loved ones, it’s important to increase awareness of the following risk factors of suicide, warning signs, and preventative factors to learn how to support someone when they open up about their struggles.

• Mental health conditions
• Physical health conditions/chronic pain
• Traumatic brain injury
• Substance abuse
• Unresolved emotional trauma
• Stressful life events (divorce, financial crisis, etc.) or life stressors (bullying, unemployment, etc.)
• Previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
• Looking for a way to end one’s life
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Access to mental health care, and being proactive about mental health
• Feeling connected to family and community support
• Problem-solving and coping skills
• Limited access to lethal items
• Cultural and religious beliefs that encourage a strong sense of purpose or self-esteem