The Pressure - In the Life of A Beauty Queen - Suicide Rates Are Rising! Being In the Spotlight
The Pressure - This path is highly competitive and uncertain. The stress of working so hard and coming up short weighs on self-esteem. Many people who vie for a place in the spotlight put major pressure upon themselves to be perfect and “beyond perfect”. That stress alone can wear down someone’s mental health status.
As little girls growing up many sat and watched Miss America and Miss USA on TV - dreaming of being in a beautiful gown and walking the stage. The prize - The CROWN - so enticing giving little girls big dreams of being on that stage. Beauty pageants how now evolved into a major corporation with countless pageant systems across America and all over the World.
The essence of pageantry is a world filled with bright lights, flashy outfits and creative talents! Then there is the interview, a major component to many scholarship pageants. There is a lot to it, and the pressure to compete is high. Also - there is “pageant politics” - like in any other sport! You can do your very best and clearly be the winner, but STILL come up short due to politics. That in itself can be crushing to a young woman who chose to step on that stage and give it their ALL.
The Mental Health Factor:
Striving to be perfect at all costs, and never truly feeling comfortable in your own skin because of “harsh judgement”. The body shaming, media scrutiny, and simply not being able to obtain the titles - all come at a cost. Mental Health. The pressures can become so great that it chips away at self-esteem and self-image. The feeling of not accomplishing your goals and that feeling of disappointment. Also, the emotional components - like you let other people down - Coaches, Family - Friends. It all weighs heavily on the competitors’ shoulders.
Image being a young child competing and having all of that pressure. If a child is not being “mentally cared for” in a safe and appropriate way, they begin to internally spiral. They will become anxious, nervous and very hard on themselves. They can develop all sorts of other disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and depression. It all goes back to
THE PRESSURE!
HERE IS A LIST OF REASONS MANY BEAUTY QUEENS STRUGGLE
1. Intense public scrutiny and pressure
Beauty queens are often under constant public attention, with expectations to maintain a certain image, perform flawlessly in competitions, and represent their states or countries. This can create chronic stress, especially when results are uncertain or when personal goals are not met Us Weekly+1.
2. Social media and online criticism
Social media amplifies both praise and criticism. Pageant queens may face harsh comments, unrealistic beauty standards, or trolling, which can erode self-esteem and contribute to depression beautindependent.com.
3. Career and identity pressures
For many, pageantry is a stepping stone to other careers — modeling, media, activism — but the path is competitive and uncertain. The pressure to succeed in pageants can feel like a life-or-death test, especially when they are close to major competitions Us Weekly+1.
4. Mental health struggles
Both Brynn Carnesecca and Cheslie Kryst had histories of depression and emotional pain. Brynn’s sister described her as “the brightest of lights, yet she deeply struggled,” while Kryst’s mother has since written about her daughter’s battle with depression Yahoo+1. These struggles are often underreported due to stigma.
5. Isolation and lack of support
Despite their public roles, many queens face loneliness. The competitive nature of pageantry can make it hard to form deep, sustaining friendships, and personal issues may be hidden from public view Yahoo.
6. Trauma and past experiences
Some queens have faced personal tragedies, abuse, or other hardships that compound mental health challenges. In Brynn’s case, her activism and community work were central to her identity, and the loss of that purpose may have contributed to her distress Us Weekly.
7. Systemic issues in pageantry
Critics argue that the pageant system can be exploitative, with winners pressured to conform to narrow beauty standards and expected to perform under intense scrutiny. This environment can foster burnout and emotional exhaustion beautindependent.com.
What can be done?
Advocates call for greater mental health resources for pageant participants, more open conversations about struggles, and a shift toward valuing queens beyond their titles. Organizations like Utah Miss Amazing have emphasized kindness, compassion, and support as core values Us Weekly.
In short, while each queen’s story is unique, the recurring themes — public pressure, mental health challenges, and the isolating nature of pageantry — point to the need for systemic change and more compassionate support systems.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW STORIES OF YOUNG BEAUTY QUEENS WHO ENDED THEIR LIVES FAR TOO SOON. WE PRAY FOR THEIR FAMILIES THAT ARE MISSING THEM EVERY SINGLE DAY
Former pageant queen dies by suicide at age 21 a month before she was set to compete again
A former pageant star tragically died by suicide Sunday — just weeks before she was scheduled to compete again.
Brynn Carnesecca, 21, “took her own precious life,” her heartbroken mother, Michele Carnesecca, told KSL at a somber, candlelight vigil in American Fork, Utah, where attendees wore yellow in her daughter’s memory on Tuesday evening.
“But she is more than what happened to her,” the mom said. “We would like to celebrate the amazing life she lived.”
Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst Dies by Suicide in New York
Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, 30, died by suicide in New York City on January 30, 2022, after jumping from her 29th-floor apartment in Midtown Manhattan beautindependent.com+1. Her death was confirmed by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and her family has since spoken publicly about her struggles with depression and the mental health challenges she faced
Final Days and Death
Hours before her death, Kryst left a suicide text for her mother and posted a final Instagram image captioned, “May this day bring you rest and peace” beautindependent.com. Friends and colleagues described her as radiant, kind, and “full of light,” but also as someone who was deeply struggling privately Katie Couric Media. Her mother, April Simpkins, has since written about her daughter’s battle with depression in a new book beautindependent.com.
Legacy
Kryst’s death has been widely mourned by former classmates, professors, and fans, serving as a reminder of the mental health crisis affecting women and the Black community beautindependent.com. She is remembered not only for her pageant achievements but also for her advocacy, compassion, and efforts to promote self-acceptance and mental wellness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional. In the U.S., you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support.
Kailia Posey — Teen Pageant Star and Toddlers & Tiaras Star Who Died by Suicide at 16
IMAGINE 16 AND FEELING THAT YOUR LIFE IS OVER - MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Kailia Lexis Posey (April 19, 2006 – May 2, 2022) was an American beauty pageant contestant and reality television personality best known for her appearances on TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras Wikipedia. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, she began competing in child pageants at age three and quickly became a standout on the show, which aired from 2009 to 2013 Women's Health. At age five, she became one of the series’ most memorable stars after a “grinning girl” face she made during an interview went viral online Wikipedia+1.
Posey’s career spanned the pageant circuit and acting. She won titles including Miss Lynden, Washington Teen (2021) and Miss Springfield, Missouri Teen (2022) Wikipedia. She was also recognized for her contortionist talent, which led to professional touring offers Women's Health+1. In 2019, she made her acting debut in the Netflix horror film Eli IMDb. She was a cheerleader at her high school and had aspirations to study aviation and obtain her commercial pilot’s license Women's Health.
On May 2, 2022, at age 16, Posey was found dead at Birch Bay State Park in Washington. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia from ligature hanging and the manner as suicide Wikipedia+1. Her family described her as an accomplished teenager with a bright future ahead, noting her numerous pageant crowns, professional offers, and upcoming school commitments Women's Health+1.
Her mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, shared an emotional Facebook post: “A beautiful baby girl is gone. Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever.” Women's Health+1. The family urged fans to donate to a fund set up by the Whatcom Community Foundation in her memory
Self-Worth