Khalid's Korner

from Thee M.O.gul Mag. April 2023 Issue: M.O.ney M.O.guls

About .O.ney O.guls

Mental Illness, Suicide and Our Loved Ones

Last year, I sadly watched the memorial service of Cheslie Kryst, the former attorney and Miss USA 2019, who died by suicide on January 30 of 2022.

I have a brilliant and beautiful former beauty queen who I love and she’s my 20yo daughter Anayah. When I saw the Cheslie win Miss USA in 2019, Anayah was watching with me. Every since Anayah was a toddler, we’ve always watched all the pageants together (Miss America, Miss USA, Teen USA and Miss Universe.) I remember saying to Anayah “look, there’s now a Miss USA who has a brilliant mind and a head full of spiral curls like you.”

As I sat there in shock after hearing about her suicide, I went in “clinician” mode with Anayah. I reminded Anayah (whose also a overachiever like Cheslie) for the 12 millionth time that if she ever (as a neurosurgeon major) feel that you want to harm yourself because you’re feeling overwhelmed then “QUIT” that same day! I rather have you than a medical degree on the wall.

I teared up listening to Cheslie’s mom giving her own daughters eulogy and remembered how I’m still dealing with the lost of one of my own mentees to suicide in 2020.

Depression and Suicide are “unbiased beasts” that wraps their strong grips around anyone (rich, poor, pretty, popular, nerdy, introvert, extrovert, young, old, smart, disabled, black, white, brown, yellow, etc.) and that’s why as a LCSW, I’m very committed to educating people on these subject matters!

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself

Looking for a way to kill oneself

Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

Talking about being a burden to others

Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

Sleeping too little or too much

Withdrawing or feeling isolated

Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

Displaying extreme mood swings

I beg you all to be very supportive to your loved ones who maybe struggling with mental illness. Check on both the strong and challenged folks in your life and be comfortable to seek HELP if you yourself are in a dark space/place!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)