Posts Tagged ‘akoo clothing’

Last week, we shared a heartfelt letter to you that was written in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell.  We had the opportunity to chat with the woman behind that letter, the beautiful Dawn Montgomery.  Dawn Montgomery is a professional model and writer that resides in the Atlanta area.  She has graced the pages of Black Men’s Magazine, a JET “Beauty of the Week,”  and J’Adore Magazine, as well as a few campaigns for Akoo Clothing, PZI Jeans, and Seagram’s Gin 2009.  Get to know Dawn as she discusses her personal fight with Bipolar Manic Disorder and how she has managed to keep it under control.

XI:  You were diagnosed with Bipolar Manic Disorder in high school. What symptoms were you experiencing that alerted you something was wrong?

I was very depressed and I really shut myself off from my friends. I began to think extremely negative & have suicidal thoughts. I began to have the weirdest suicidal ideations & I never shared them with anyone. It wasn’t until I felt numb all over that I knew there was something seriously wrong with me. XI:  Mental Illness is usually ignored in the African-American community. Whose idea was it to get you diagnosed?

It wasn’t until I had Viral Meningitis and I was hospitalized for almost 3 weeks. During that time, my doctor noticed my mood swings and the symptoms and he recommended that I see a therapist. My family supported me through this whole process and it was something that we needed to do in order to make sure I was going to be okay.

XI:  Why do you think the African-American community turns away from dealing with mental illnesses?

I think the severity of mental illnesses and how complex they may be, can turn our community away from dealing with it. Mental Illness is real and once we are able to recognize it and come together as a community to fight against it then we can overcome it.

XI:  After you were diagnosed, how long did it take you to come to terms and deal with living with Bipolar Manic Disorder?

Not long… I ignored it as long as I could, but then my episodes were more rapid and started happening at least 5 to 6 times in a year. I cannot ignore something that is a part of me so the older I get the more comfortable I am being me.

XI:  You have been modeling for a little while now…how have you managed to maintain success in such a stressful and competitive industry while battling Bipolar disorder?

I have been blessed to have a strong support system and a few key people around me that help keep my boat afloat. LOL! My agent, Jay Glover and my publicist Lila Brown have both stepped in and given my career some order. My family understands my struggle and so do those that work with me professionally.  I appreciate them all.

XI:  Last year, Saks sponsored a fashion show with proceeds going to Bipolar Manic Disorder research, have you been able to do anything similar or plan to?

SAKS, give me a call the next time you do that! LOL! I plan on working with NAMI.org and really just getting more awareness out about Mental Illnesses and how some of us overcome.

XI:  How do you feel about there now being a specific Mental Health Awareness Month for minorities?

I LOVE IT! Everyone else has their month and I really feel as if this helps bring about awareness. You cannot run from something that will continue to stare you in your face.

XI: I read that powerful letter you wrote in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell. Her daughter Maia Campbell has been battling this disorder for a long time now, but tends to have relapses due to not wanting to take her medication. Have there been moments for you where you were fed up and wanted to stop taking your medication?

I don’t take medication. I am sure therapists & psychiatrists will not like me stating that but it’s true. My episodes have been very extreme and I have found ways that I can deal with them. I stoppped taking medication, because they were not for my Bipolar Disorder. I was taking anti-depressants and if I missed a dose or two, I was worse off than I was before taking the medication. The older I get the more I am researching the new drugs that have been created for the disorder and I am debating on whether I should do a research study.

XI: After becoming a mother, which is truly a blessing, did you find yourself having as many bouts with your depression?

NO! My son came into my life right when he was supposed to. I had lost my grandmother to Breast Cancer and I thought my life was completely over.  When I found out I was pregnant I was so overjoyed.  God makes no mistake and he gave my son to me to help me continue on with my life and tell my testimony. There’s a lot of joy in that alone.

XI:  What are your future plans for spreading awareness of Bipolar Manic Disorder?

I would like to become a national spokesperson for NAMI and continue working in the community. I enjoy talking about my testimony and learning more about how people are dealing with their mental illnesses. XI:  What is your advice to young African-American women battling on how to deal with the disorder and refusing to treat it?

Please get help! I am blessed to have the support system that I have created around myself, and I have always educated myself on my disorder. It is tough to deal with this alone.

XI:  On a fabulous note…where will we see your beautiful face again?! What are some upcoming projects we can look forward to seeing you in?

I am so blessed to have a wonderful career as a professional model and writer so I have a few things up my sleeve. I will be working with Creme of Nature at the Bronner Bros. Hair Show in August. I have a hair commercial that will air next month and my first cover may be ready by then as well. My faith lies in God and He has truly taken care of me no matter what.

XI is very thankful to Dawn for taking the time to chat with us and can’t wait to see her in her upcoming projects! 

Dawn has overcome her disorder through the strong support system of her family and friends that truly love her.  Her story is so inspiring and is sure to touch someone that is facing the same battles as she has.  Pay attention to her story and if her symptoms sound familiar, check it out!  It can’t hurt.  Take Dawn’s advice and seek help!!