Press Hit: Dawn Montgomery 2nd Feature in XI Magazine Online

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.

Read Dawn’s entire feature on Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month on XI Mag Online.

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