Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt Resigns from Title, Citing Her Mental Health: 'Tough Decision'

"In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health," said Noelia Voigt

• Noelia Voigt is stepping down as Miss USA 2023, she announced on Monday, May 6

• "I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health," Voigt, 24, said in a social media post announcing her decision

• The Miss USA organization said they "respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties" and "will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA"

Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt has announced that she made the decision to resign from the title, citing her mental health.

"I realize this may come as a large shock to many," Voigt, 24 said in an Instagram post announcing the decision, which was shared on Monday, May 6. "Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth."

"In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health," she wrote in a statement. "My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe. Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023."

"I am grateful for the love and support of the fans, old and new, my family, my friends, my coaches, former state and local directors, and my darling beloved Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia," she continued.

Voigt then took a moment to reflect on everything she was able to accomplish during her time as Miss USA, which included making "lifelong friendships and connections" she's "forever grateful" for.

"Every time someone asked me what my favorite part of being Miss USA was, I would always share with them how much I loved getting to work with Smile Train, being a fervent advocate for anti-bullying, dating violence awareness and prevention, immigration rights and reform, and shedding light on my roots as the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA," she shared.

"Never could I have imagined the journey that my childhood dream would take me on," she continued. "Constant and consistent hard work and dedication all lead me to where I am today, and I hope that over the last seven years of competing in pageantry and sharing my journey with you all is something that inspires you to never give up on your dreams, whatever they may be."

Related: New Jersey’s UmaSofia Srivastava Wins Miss Teen USA 2023: 'I Am So Grateful and Honored'

As her post came to a close, Voigt said she hope's to "continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain."

"How I wish I could hug all of you," she added. "I love you all with all of my heart and always will. Peace and love, always."

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In October, Voigt reflected on her win, telling PEOPLE that “Miss USA is a symbol of unity and diversity and inclusivity."

"If the United States is going to call themselves the land of opportunity and a place where you can achieve the American dream … Miss USA should be able to represent all of them," she added.

Related: Miss USA Elle Smith Reveals Her 'Full-Circle' Moment as a Biracial Crown Holder From the South

The childhood cancer survivor also spoke about her years of dedication to winning the crown. She was first-runner up in her state’s pageant three times before she won the Miss Utah title and advanced to the national competition.

Despite initially falling short of her goal, she “always walked away with something valuable."

“It would've been very easy for anybody to get first runner up three times and just say, ‘Oh, I'm done. I can't do this anymore.’ But for me, it wasn't that way,” Voigt said. “I knew I had to keep pushing forward and keep pushing through."

Related: Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel Is Unbothered by Haters and Focused on a Passion for Sustainable Style

Following her announcement, the Miss USA organization thanked Voigt for her service, saying they "respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties."

"The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time," the organization said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA."

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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