Miss USA pageant contestants will now have access to mental health workshops, Christelle Stewartthe president of Miss USA confirmed TMZ. The news comes after the 2019 Miss USA winner passed away Cheslie Krystdied by suicide in January.
Contestants currently competing will be matched with psychiatrists and mental health experts, Stewart said. The workshops are run by her organization, the Crystle Stewart Foundation, and will help prepare young women to be in the public eye and overcome behind-the-scenes stress which Stewart says can often lead to anxiety and depression. .
The workshops will specifically help contestants develop coping mechanisms when feeling anxious or overwhelmed and how to avoid a bout of depression if they don’t win. Currently, the workshops are only available to those currently competing, but the plan is to eventually develop a program for alumni.
Stewart said resources are just as important for the winners as for those who are not crowned. The Miss USA executive explained that winners can develop even more stress after getting the crown because they are immediately transferred to Los Angeles, put in the Miss Universe pageant and become celebrities overnight – all of this can be overwhelming.
The initiative was accelerated by Kryst’s death, Stewart admitted. Kryst’s mother said her daughter suffers from depression and the Miss USA champion has previously shared her concerns about aging.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “FORCE” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected with a Certified Crisis Counselor.
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