Ask Carolyn
By Carolyn Woodruff, North Carolina Family Law Specialist
It is cause to pause for a sober moment over the apparent suicide death of fellow North Carolina lawyer Cheslie Kryst. She was the director of diversity for Poyner Spruill LLP law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. At age 30, she had accomplished much. She had a Juris Doctor and MBA from Wake Forest University. She, of course, was Miss North Carolina USA and Miss USA in 2019. Her pro bono work for the incarcerated was notable.
While her apparent jump from the 29th floor of her apartment building in NYC needs to be investigated, her last Instagram post seemed to be a silent last cry for help and a resignation. She posted: “May this day bring you rest and peace,” followed by a red heart. She blogged at whitecollarglam, but she had not posted since August 18, 2021. Her merchandise is “sold out,” and everything new is is “sold out.” Was this a sign of withdrawal? What caused her to go into such a deep depression that her glamourous life was not worth living? What was that last straw?
Divorce and family feuds create stressors, and some are vulnerable to suicide.
While I don’t know yet if that was a factor for Cheslie, it has been a factor in suicide cases I have seen. Try to be sensitive to your loved ones going through significant stressors: Covid 19 plus a divorce may be someone’s last straw. I have noticed some precipitators for suicide in family law and divorce cases.
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Focus on revenge
- Increased alcohol or drug consumption
- Withdrawal from others
- Threats to hurt oneself
Watch, listen, and care. There are resources.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255