Meet Kenzie McDermott

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenzie McDermott.

Hi Kenzie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My childhood was filled with quite a bit of struggle due to mental health and is one of 16 children from two separate households. I never fully got the opportunity to learn much about myself growing up because of these things. By the age of 16, I had already had multiple Behavioral Health stays and I even had the opportunity to be a part of The Anasazi Foundation and spent six weeks in an outdoor behavioral health program.

That’s an experience I will always hold close to my heart. This is when I discovered how strong and determined of an individual I was, which inspired me to do the work I do today. By the age of 19, I became a mother. I gave birth to my second son in 2019. My entire early adult life has been dedicated to my little boys. I’ve loved being a mother however it has – in my case contributed to my lack of figuring out who I am and what I am truly passionate about.

My love for my boys and want to help them to be able to deal with life, along with my own personal struggles, is why I haven’t quit on myself. I’m absolutely determined to be successful with my work. In July of 2020, I decided to turn to social media (TikTok, Instagram) to express myself in a very low-key way. I created a different identity for myself. No one knew who I was or anything about my story.

This gave me the ability to feel like I could freely be who I wanted to be without any judgment from family and friends. It was definitely a rocky start. I had no idea what I wanted my online presence to be about. In July of 2021, I met my boyfriend who is also my cinematographer. This is where my content and creative side really started to shift. My ideas were turned into a reality.

It started with TikTok videos and reels. I was able to really start showing my different struggles in a creative way that could be interpreted in different ways based on the viewer. I’ve touched on topics like the seemingly never-ending cycles of unhealthy relationships, substance abuse, losing touch with reality, and more.

I started my YouTube channel a few months back, where my main focus is BPD. I provide information, my own personal experiences, and advice on healthier coping skills. I think it’s extremely important to be as vulnerable and transparent about this topic as possible.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has definitely been a very rocky road emotionally and financially. When I began I really had no idea what I wanted my online presence to be about. It took me a long time to fully come to terms with who I am and what I’m about.

I was relieved when I figured all of that out but then new obstacles began to arise. I have doubted myself and my abilities several times, my mental health has occasionally declined and I’ve had to take time away to heal from it, I’ve had to find a balance between work and motherhood.

It has been a struggle financially because, unfortunately, my work isn’t always going to get noticed. But amid all of the struggle, I will always keep my head high and my goals in sight because, to me, it’s all worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
It all started with TikTok videos and reels. I show my different struggles in a creative way that could be interpreted in different ways based on the viewer. I’ve touched on topics like the seemingly never-ending cycles of unhealthy relationships, substance abuse, losing touch with reality, and more.

I also started my YouTube channel a few months back where my main focus is BPD. I provide information, my own personal experiences, and advice on healthier coping skills. I think it’s extremely important to be as vulnerable and transparent about this topic as possible. I know I wish there was more information and advice specifically coming from a fellow BPD warrior.

When I was first diagnosed because I was completely confused and really struggled with finding a therapist who specialized in my disorder. I plan to be a beacon of hope and listening ear for others out there who want so badly to live a healthier, more fulfilling life in spite of the challenges that are so prominent every single day.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was 16, my parents put me in a therapeutic outdoor behavioral treatment healthcare program called “The Anasazi Foundation”.

I spent 49 days on the “trail” and hiked about 6 hours a day, slept wherever we ended up each day and my diet mainly consisted of rice and lentils! It was very much a primitive outdoor experience. It was incredibly challenging and uncomfortable but in the end, that is what I loved most about it.

I became very in tune with nature and myself. I learned how to trust myself and always continue walking forward. Without that experience, I don’t think I would have ever found the intense strength and determination that was within me.

Contact Info:

• Email: blitzedmissy@yahoo.com
• Website: blitzedmissy.info
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/blitzedmissy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blitzedmissy/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/BlitzedMissy

Image Credits
Rey Arauz