Former Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, seemed to have it all — a correspondent for Extra, an activist and law degree recipient.

Yet, looks can be deceiving.

New York State Police confirmed 30-year-old Kryst died after jumping from a building in Manhattan on Jan. 30 in an apparent suicide.

In an interview with Extra, Kryst's mother said her daughter suffered from depression, but hid it from everyone, including her, until shortly before she died.

Unfortunately, the horrible struggles Kryst faced are not unique, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Cheryl Giarusso is the division director of crisis services at Contact Community Services, a local hotline that provides free, confidential counseling and suicide prevention 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"It's really been wearing on people, and we're hearing that on the phones," said Giarusso. "It's a great place for people to connect, no matter what their state of mind is. If you're feeling down, we can talk about it, but it's really just a safe place to talk about anything."

In a review published in the American Medical Association, studies suggest rates of depression and anxiety have increased since March 2020. It's something, Giarusso says, Contact Community Services has felt, too.

"I think we had some losses several years ago, the high-profile people who died by suicide. And from that point forward, I think, our call volume, and the call volume for all the centers across the country, has increased dramatically," she said.

As what many call a "health crisis" continues, experts urge that communication is key. That's why the crisis services hotline is there for everyone.

"We are here for those who have lost someone to suicide as well. And we can provide that support via telephone. And we can also refer people to other resources in the community if they need additional help," said Giarusso.

Remember you are not alone.

The National Suicide Hotline is changing in July to make it easier to remember. Until then, the number is 1-800-273-8255. In July, it will become 988.

In Central New York, the local number for Contact Community Services is 315-251-0600.