Meet Lara Murray

We were lucky to catch up with Lara Murray recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lara, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I believe that creativity is often bred from necessity. As humans, when we feel as though we have no other way to express ourselves, we turn towards art, music, poetry, etc. At least that was the case for me.
I’ve struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember, and began therapy at 12 years old. Originally I went to those sessions for bullying before one day the next thing i know,. I was given the “you have depression” talk with my therapist. Through high school, I struggled severely with anxiety and depression, and then I was a 2020 graduate. I began college the fall of 2020. Almost everything was online and with the isolation came really hard feelings. I was hospitalized the first time in 2021 shortly following my mom’s heart attack. I spent 9 days in the hospital the first time. There was little to do, so I drew. The second time I was hospitalized, I drew little positive drawings for every other patient and for the staff. When I left, creation became my outlet. Impulses for self harm turned into journaling and poetry, suicidal ideation turned into a painting, and my breakdowns became my fuel for expression. I still struggle, and with my diagnoses I always will. However I will continue to use my pain as a way to relate, and create.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My whole life, I’ve had a passion for beauty. Whether that be fashion, hair, art, nature, etc. for years, I struggled to find myself. Navigating your identity on your own can be so overwhelming. I ended up entering the hair industry because of the impact it had on me personally. As a hairstylist, it’s such an honor to help others feel more like themselves. To be able to sit in someone’s chair and put your self care into the hands of another is sacred. I believe helping others feel like their most authentic selves through self expression is so necessary and I’m happy to be putting in the work. Whether thats a gender affirming haircut, someone’s first hair color, getting bangs for the first time, or just a basic trim. I take the time people sit in my chair very seriously. I love being able to inspire and lift others up.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say that I would not be where I am today without passion, discomfort, and boundaries.
My passion has driven me to always pursue what brings me joy and satisfaction, rather than ever settling. Discomfort being a big driving force for my growth was a hard pill to swallow, however has possibly been the most crucial in my self discovery. If i’d never been uncomfortable I would have never made changes to my life. I believe its my body’s way of saying “hey this isn’t for us come on lets go”. Once i learned to use my discomfort as fuel for change, everything began to look different. Boundaries have allowed me to listen to myself always. I used to be a people pleaser, and separating myself from that by saying “No” was huge.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents are some of my favorite people ever. They’ve been my biggest supporters my whole life, even when sometimes they don’t agree with my decisions. In 2021 after my first hospital stay, I came to the conclusion that I needed to shave my head. I’d thought about it for years but never had the courage. I needed to make a huge change in my life, and although against it at first, my parents stepped up to be a part of this huge moment for me. My dad let me dye his hair to match my purple hair i’d had at the time, and then proceeded to shave my head for me. Although I’m very headstrong and have to force my own path, my parents will always be on the sidelines cheering me on, wether they understand or not.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: larafied

Image Credits

Trinity Lakose (black and white photo), Jinal Amin (image of me with magazine), Claire Corbin (group shot)