Coming out of Hiding by Samantha Murray

I am thirty-one-years-old and I have been depressed for at least 14 years or more. I have struggled with insecurities, low self esteem, perfectionism, fear, and anger all of my life.  A therapist once described my family life as a “toxic cesspool” and concluded that my depression is really like post traumatic stress disorder.          

In 1997, I decided to run away during my freshman year at Duke.  I told my Resident Advisor that I couldn’t handle life anymore and then promptly walked out the front door of my dorm.  I returned an hour later, having never made it off of East Campus.  But I did walk its perimeter – on the inside of the “wall.”  I continued to suffer from these deep bouts of depression throughout the rest of my time at Duke, but in my senior year, I began to experience frequent and severe headaches.  And at the age of 21, I found out why I was having those severe headaches. I was diagnosed with hypertension, better known as high blood pressure.  Although my physical condition was diagnosed, I was not ready or able to accept that I suffered from depression, but I knew I needed help. I wouldn’t talk to my family because they were a significant cause of the problem, and I didn’t talk to my friends because I feared no one would understand.  I considered going to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Duke, but I was afraid, afraid of being labeled or judged.  I suffered in silence instead, and convinced myself that I could “fix” myself.

Graduate school made things worse.  Living in a new city and attending a new school, I was even more isolated than before and felt the realness of my insecurities as an Ivy League doctoral student.  Despite being recruited and offered a full tuition fellowship, I seriously doubted my competence and potential to excel academically.  I either slept constantly or not all. I stopped doing my assignments.  Then I skipped a class here and there.  I cried quite a bit. My eating habits were atrocious.  I didn’t know how to deal with my anger, my sadness, my confusion, or my loneliness.  I was drowning emotionally.  I reached out to the university Chaplain – we only met for a few sessions, but it was great to talk to someone and admit that I needed help.  I even hopped on a plane and flew to Georgia to spend the weekend with the author (and his family) of a book that many would file as “self-help” or “psychotherapy.”  While in graduate school, I decided to give CAPS a try because CAPS was discretely located within a building that housed several other services. This way, if anyone saw me going into the building they wouldn’t automatically assume that I was going to counseling. I quit after a handful of sessions.  Then I quit my doctoral program and abandoned my full tuition fellowship.  I left the University of Pennsylvania in good standing, with an approved leave of absence.  A year later, I officially withdrew.

I then became a teacher in a private school and moved back in with my parents, which was the absolute WRONG thing for me to do.  I was miserable.  It didn’t take long for me to seek out Caroline, the Chaplain at the school where I taught.  My conversations with her were like taking deep breaths in my stifling world.  We spoke often, and I cried often.  I left teaching after one year, and consequently lost my connection with Caroline. 

Over the next several years, I tried to find relief in church, books, men, sleep, food, and work.  Things became worse for me, and I was ready to give up.  I began having thoughts of dying, believing that I, and the world, would be much better off if I simply weren’t around anymore.  I would finally have peace. 

In 2007, I began seeing yet another counselor. Those sessions were helpful, but after 8 or 9 sessions, I quit.  I was depressed – but I was in denial.

I quickly spiraled downhill over the past six to nine months, approaching my rock bottom.  Depression was taking a toll on my physical, emotional, spiritual and mental self.  I was constantly fatigued, my high blood pressure remained, I developed severe and frequent migraines, my hair was beginning to gray at a faster rate, I slept often or couldn’t sleep at all, and I was ready to give up.  I began seeing Sue, yet another counselor, in October and for whatever reason, I’ve stuck with her.  Sue suggested that I consider antidepressants.  I knew I was depressed, but I resisted.  I resisted because taking antidepressants would mean I’d have to admit that I was depressed and I feared that my life was truly out of my control.  Despite that belief, I talked to my primary care physician and asked for a prescription in December.  I finally began taking the antidepressants in mid-February and saw a marked positive difference in my mood.  One month later, however, I had an emotional breakdown. My family situation and my life in general seemed to simply shatter.  I really began to feel numb to the world and didn’t care about anything at all.  

Having stuck with Sue all this time, she was a tremendous support for me.  My family was a major part of the problem, so I was distanced from them.  Without warning, I broke up with my boyfriend of 4 years, moved out of his house within 3 hours, and moved into my own apartment within 3 days.  I continued with psychotherapy and antidepressants, but I was so extremely isolated and in a bad place.  After these incidents, Sue asked me for the first time, “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?”  I replied honestly, “no.”  I wouldn’t have minded dying in a car accident –a frequent vision of mine – but I was not conjuring ways to cause it.   

I finally decided to try something that I never tried before.  I reached out to my friends.  I needed to come out of hiding.  I am blessed to have had my 12 sorority line sisters in my life for the past 10 years. Our bond goes beyond the commonality of our sorority experiences, and our bond goes deeper than any one of us could have ever imagined. On April 2nd, I wrote the following to my sisters:

“This is one of the most stressful and sad times of my life, for this and other reasons. I am feeling really hurt and confused and quite frankly depressed. The depression has always been there, since before I met all of you. But it’s only just within the past 4-6 months that I have been getting help. I am taking antidepressants and seeing a counselor, which is very difficult for me to share because I have been in denial for more than a decade. My family and I have been dealing with some pretty deep family intra-relationship issues as well. I have no idea what kind of support I need from you all, but I really just need to know that you all love me, especially right now as I am going through this time in my life.”

 Coming out of “hiding” was the beginning of my breakthrough.  I was not judged, as I feared.  I was loved and accepted and supported. 

As I pour out these words, I can honestly say that at this precise moment, I am experiencing a happiness and peacefulness that I’ve never felt before.  I have a long road ahead of me, that’s for sure.  But I’ve opened myself up to the love of my friends.  This has been 14+ years in the making; therefore, no single decision or event suddenly transformed me.  I’ve muddled through and fought through some of the saddest and darkest times of my life, and it has been worth it.  I never quit.   

Samantha A. Murray, pictured above, is 31-years-old and lives in Baltimore, MD.  She graduated from Duke University and earned a master’s degree in educational policy from the University of Pennsylvania.  Samantha loves her “right now” dream job as a Research Specialist in the Baltimore County Public Schools, and she is also a women’s basketball official and a high school badminton coach.  Her aspirations include establishing an education nonprofit organization to support vulnerable urban youth and their families and to elevate her basketball officiating career.

© 2014, Shalena D.I.V.A. – Personal Branding| Content Marketing| Product Creation. All rights reserved.

49 Comments

  1. Shalenadiva on May 17, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    Samantha, how are you moving on with your life? What do you do to stay focused on a daily basis?

    • Samantha on May 18, 2010 at 7:01 pm

      Well, “daily” is a key to your question. It is definitely a one-day-at-time process. It really was just after sending you guys that e-mail that I realized that I was not alone and that I didn’t have to walk this alone. I cried at every e-mail and text and phone call that I received. I went out with Brandi and Tina. And I was journaling like crazy – something that I failed to mention in my piece. I’ve been writing in a journal for more than a decade. I burned one, but I have at least 3 others. And I continue to write. That has helped me, despite the pain of re-reading some of what I’ve written, because I am able to see myself. And I have slowly but surely learned to be more compassionate with myself. I don’t beat that girl up – I just “listen” to her – if that makes sense.

      So, to get to your question, I really just have to constantly remind myself to be compassionate with myself. I remember that I have people in my life who see me and love me – and really, how can we really feel loved if we are in hiding? Instead of listening to other people (one of the root causes of my stress and depression), I decided that at 31 with 2 degrees and other accomplishments, that I know how to make decisions for myself. When I encounter someone or a situation that causes me to doubt my decision making, I quiety say to myself that that person/they can “kick rocks.” For some reason, that works most of the time. And I pray.

      Shalena, thanks again. You’re a blessing!

      • ShalenaDiva on May 19, 2010 at 12:34 pm

        Sam, your story has touched and will continue to touch so many women. And you are right, it is a daily process, a daily struggle to choose the better things in life like happiness, joy, love, and peace. I believe that God allowed you to go through this awfully long, dark season for a reason. You must liberate others by sharing your story and letting them know that they are not alone and that they can lead healthy, positive lives–and most of all, love themselves!

        Love ya!

        • Quiana on May 25, 2010 at 12:36 pm

          Samantha’s (and Carla’s) story is not as isolated as many may want to believe. Depression is much more common than our society and the media of our country projects. In fact, I would venture to say that all of us have felt down at some point in our lives. That down feeling for many of us (including me) lasted for so long or was so severe that had we had been brave enough or bold enough to seek professional help, then we too may have been diagnosed with clinical depression. Many thanks to Samantha for raising her pen and her voice and for “coming out of hiding”. Thanks also to Shalena for the platform and the vehicle for awareness and change.

          • ShalenaDiva on May 25, 2010 at 6:10 pm

            Quiana, you, too can share your personal story. Be blessed!

  2. Carla on May 18, 2010 at 12:11 pm

    Sam, I decided to post a comment to let you know that you’re not alone. Lifelong depression ended my Duke career early and a host of other past and present setbacks that I, even as a journalist, don’t have the stomach to write about. Maybe I never will, who knows. I’ve spent a lot of time hiding that major part of my life from the world including friends and family. Anyways, again, just wanted you to know you’re not alone. Wish you the best.

    • Samantha on May 18, 2010 at 6:50 pm

      Carla, thank you for letting me know that I am not alone – and neither are you! The fact that you decided to post a comment let’s me know that you don’t quit either. Thanks for sharing this part of you. Thinking of you! Samantha

  3. ShalenaD.I.V.A on May 18, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    Carla, I never knew this about you. Thank you for opening up here. I’m so glad that you reached out to Sam! Hopefully, you will write about your experience and liberate others. I love you!

  4. Talmeedah on May 18, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    Samantha, thank you for empowering others by sharing your story. Thank You for uplifting us with the power of your experience. You’ve saved lives 😉
    My biggest, warmest hug!

    • Samantha on May 18, 2010 at 6:52 pm

      Talmeedah, thank you for your kind words! As I told Shalena, this was a very difficult task for me, but I knew that I should write about my experience. I’m glad I did.

  5. Melva on May 19, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Sam,
    Thank you for sharing this story. I am so glad that you are in my life and hope that I can be as supportive of you as you have been of me. I thank God for the Sue in your life. No one ever told us how hard life would be, instead God provided angels to help us deal with each difficulty. I believe sometimes the angels show up as the “Sue” in our life or as a bit of sunshine on the darkest day. As a doctor, I know that the anti-depressants can work, just not alone. So glad that you are reaching out to friends, giving traditional medicine a fair shot and sharing through your God-given gift of writing.
    I love you Sam,
    Melva

    • Samantha on May 23, 2010 at 5:16 pm

      Melva,

      I love you, too!! Thank you.

  6. Kameron on May 21, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    Sam, I absolutely love that you have gotten to a point where you can share with those of us who love you – and now the public. So many of us can learn from your experiences, and I am humbled to have you in my life.
    I love you,
    Kam

    • Samantha on May 23, 2010 at 5:17 pm

      You and Melva need to stop making me cry! 🙂 I love you, too!!

  7. Talmeedah on May 22, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Samantha, you are so welcome. By the way, I had to laugh when I read one of your last comments and in it you say that negative folks can “kick rocks.” That’s an expression I use…a lot, lol. An oldie but oh-so-goodie. Can’t wait to read more of your writing. It doesn’t surprise me to read that you journal often. You are quite the gifted writer, girlfriend. Keep writing!

    • Samantha on May 23, 2010 at 5:21 pm

      I love that expression, haha! And thank you for your comments about my writing – it’s humbling to know that people enjoy my writing. I have to make myself write sometimes, but I’m encouraged. Thanks again!

  8. Nicole Swiner on May 23, 2010 at 11:01 am

    I love you, that’s it…..

    • Samantha on May 23, 2010 at 5:18 pm

      Thank you! I love you, too, Big Sister Nicole!! 🙂

  9. Dede on January 9, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    Samantha,
    I also went to Duke (I recognized your name) and applaud you for sharing your story. Congratulations on your journey and on finding peace. In your story, I recognize a lot of myself and other Black women who have decided to pursue advanced degrees. Many of us have taken leaves of absence and/or quit our programs. I agree, it helps tremendously to share our experiences and to let each other know that we’re not alone. Too often we suffer in silence and probably extend our suffering unnecessarily. So thanks for sharing and I wish you the best in your journey ahead.

    • ShalenaD.I.V.A on January 9, 2011 at 6:01 pm

      Dede,
      Thank you for stopping by and reading Samantha’s story. I thank you for your honesty. I remember you from Duke. How have you been?

      I think you bring up a good point and I would love for someone to write about the pressures of black women pursuing advanced degrees. Why do many of them take leaves of absence.

      I welcome you to write about it if you’d like.

      Thank you for the support.

      Be sure to download the first chapter of my new upcoming ebook at http://www.shalenadiva.com/archives/2435. You’ll be so glad you did!

  10. Hillary on February 13, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    Hi Samantha – It is so encouraging to hear your story as it is very similar to my own. Despite receiving offers to work at some of the top firms on Wall St., I struggled all the time with low confidence and worried about my own competence. I eventually did hit a bottom, and did take antidepressants as well as seek counseling. I have since left the industry, broken up with my boyfriend of 3.5 years and moved back home with my folks. Fortunately, my family situation is relatively helpful. I continue to struggle to keep my head up everyday in order to pursue my new career path (one which requires a fairly tough skin, and high self confidence). I like your advice of keeping a journal. I think it’ll be helpful to me.

    • ShalenaD.I.V.A on February 13, 2011 at 1:18 pm

      Thank you for stopping by Hillary. IT’s been a minute since I’ve seen you at Duke. I’m glad that Sam’s article helped you. I’m also glad that you sought the help you needed. I’m very proud of you. You go, girl! You have to keep us posted on your journey.

      Love ya!
      Shalena D.I.V.A.

  11. J on May 11, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Yes, I’ve been there before and I had my breakthrough in 2006 and haven’t been back since PRAISE GOD!
    April 12 at 11:12am · UnlikeLike · 2 people
    Loading…

  12. Nikki on May 11, 2011 at 12:03 am

    Yes I was hiding it and didnt even no it..i was using work as my outlet..and pure killn myself inside.NEVA AGAIN

  13. Chrissy on May 11, 2011 at 12:03 am

    Yup sure did and as i got older i realized what it was.. i thought it was a normal feeling , nobody ever taught me otherwise.. As a child your so resilient and adapt to situations ..i knew nothing more or less. Thank god i now know better!

  14. EW on May 11, 2011 at 12:04 am

    Yes…..I have been dealing with depression since I was 14…..

    • ShalenaD.I.V.A on May 11, 2011 at 12:12 am

      @All—I wonder why so many suffer in silence. What helped you all come out of it—what it medication? Counseling? Prayer?

      • Chrissy on May 11, 2011 at 12:16 am

        Depends on situations i guess. Mine was rough from the get but by the time i was idk like 15 i was sent to a foster home and then sent to an all year round Mormon school.. i felt abandoned and betrayed and as in my last post in the past on… your page my father had killed someone from drinking and driving and lost family; aunts and unlces on my dads side to drugs or death by illness all at once. My mother remarried and i had 2 evil step sisters who made me feel as if i was the ugly red headed step child.. So as a young girl i did alot of partying and knocked it out of my life early, trying to numb the pain i was feeling. It wasnt until i had a child that i didnt want alot of the same life style for my baby that i had! So it wasnt until alot of my actions and behavior was starting to make sense. I always wondered why i felt the way i did or had. But Honestly im not huge in to prayer but i do believe!

        • ShalenaD.I.V.A on May 11, 2011 at 12:22 am

          @Chrissy—I would love to get your story, too. It sounds so intriguing. I’m glad that you made it out alright. I think my life changed once my son was born, too. It gave me a new love and respect for life. I want to hear more about your experience.

      • J on May 11, 2011 at 12:17 am

        I couldn’t take the way I was feeling anymore I went to see a therapist she reccomended that I be medicated and I refused it. She continued to help me though. My husband was also there to help although I nearly drove him crazy he hung in there.

        • EW on May 11, 2011 at 12:28 am

          ‎@Joice….I’m still in therapy and I take meds…..and as u see from my page….I’m in constant prayer….and now that I know my family history(both sides) have a history of mental illness….

          • J on May 11, 2011 at 12:29 am

            E I just couldn’t do the meds I still see her but she knows how I feel about that. I stay prayed up as well.Both sides of my family have mental illness also. I just can’t do the meds. that’s just me.

            • EW on May 11, 2011 at 12:30 am

              ‎@J…..I completely understand….medications r not for every1….so I feel

      • Michelle on May 11, 2011 at 12:18 am

        I deal with it. I got dignosed as being majorly depressed and its been all my life. I just take min by min. I been hiding it but have been called crazy alot b cause I didnt understand what was going on.

      • Michelle on May 11, 2011 at 12:19 am

        I take flower essence drops Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy I was on medication but it was causing me to grind my teeth at night and wake up with a really bad headache. Natural product with no side effects.

  15. Karen on May 11, 2011 at 12:05 am

    I think sometimes people do not know what is happening to them and do not know how serious it is and think that it will go away like a cold. Depression manifest itself in many ways such as pain therefore the symptoms rather than the illness is treated, and people don’t feel as if it is a serious disease that requires treatment

  16. EW on May 11, 2011 at 12:05 am

    mental illness was hardly ever discussed in the black community….it is just now really being put out there….I thank God my Momma is a nurse and realized what was going on with me…..it took A LOT of different medications and …counseling…..Now I’m on the right meds and am in constant prayer……I still have bad days…..but there r many more good days……that’s what I meant when I told u I laugh everyday now no matter what!! Because I have cried and hurt for so long…..See More

    • ShalenaD.I.V.A on May 11, 2011 at 12:21 am

      @Elaine—Now I see. That is why you enjoyed those crazy videos I posted so much—LOL! I miss them. I’ll post some more because they kept me laughing and going, you know? Have you ever talked to anyone about your experience? I mean, not to a …therapist, but to other people who have suffered, too. I think you learn so much from other people’s experiences. I would love to get your story, Elaine. It will give other people so much hope.See More

      • EW on May 11, 2011 at 12:26 am

        No one other than my Momma….and just now…..I would love too…:-)

  17. Felicia on May 11, 2011 at 12:06 am

    I just read the article and I have suffered in silence for soooooo many years! I did’nt want people to think something was wrong with me, and was just afraid to take any Meds!!! I have had soo much stress and just thought I would get over i…t!! My OBGYN wanted to give me something to take the edge off last year, but I was too ashamed and scared to go on meds!! I have stayed prayerful and in just wanting to be the best Mom that I can, ~ I was up late one night and watched a Pbs show on depression and natural alternatives. They suggested exercise, diet, St Johns Wort or Sam E!! Well I had also heard these things on Dr. OZ. I went on the St. john’s wort and have to say, it’s helping alot!! Also a multi vitamin and exercise!, but I could not believe that a natural herb could work!! Thank u Lord!! 🙂 S/N ~ I sent you an e~mail shalena, hope it’s ok!!See More

    • ShalenaD.I.V.A on May 11, 2011 at 12:23 am

      @Felicia—I think you, Karen and Elaine hit on a major point. Many people are simply afraid to talk about it and don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I’m so glad you found something that helps you. I need to know more about this.

    • EW on May 11, 2011 at 12:27 am

      ‎@Felicia….I’m glad u found something that works…..and if meds help u to be and feel better do that too…..Herbal remedies r good for some people…make sure u do ur on research as well….if u have heart problems such as high blood pressure….some herbal remedies will do more harm than good….

  18. Tonja on May 11, 2011 at 12:07 am

    I just read the article and I have suffered in silence for soooooo many years! I did’nt want people to think something was wrong with me, and was just afraid to take any Meds!!! I have had soo much stress and just thought I would get over i…t!! My OBGYN wanted to give me something to take the edge off last year, but I was too ashamed and scared to go on meds!! I have stayed prayerful and in just wanting to be the best Mom that I can, ~ I was up late one night and watched a Pbs show on depression and natural alternatives. They suggested exercise, diet, St Johns Wort or Sam E!! Well I had also heard these things on Dr. OZ. I went on the St. john’s wort and have to say, it’s helping alot!! Also a multi vitamin and exercise!, but I could not believe that a natural herb could work!! Thank u Lord!! 🙂 S/N ~ I sent you an e~mail shalena, hope it’s ok!!See More

    • ShalenaD.I.V.A on May 11, 2011 at 12:23 am

      @Tonja—WOW! What a testimony. I want your story, too. In fact, I want all of these stories because we need to read them. I want to do a conference call with you all so we can share and then I can show you guys how to write about your experiences. Do you guys want to do that? Let me know. We soooo need to do this. Thanks for the love, Tonja!

  19. Kitty on May 11, 2011 at 12:07 am

    depression is a killer…i know ppl who went tru it and it just eats u up…as for me when i get bouts of depression, i try to hide it but then i remember that other ppl may have it worse or been hurt worse so i try to cheer up…music helps to

  20. Dominick on May 11, 2011 at 12:09 am

    NAH, NOT EVEN CLOSE, I BET SOME WHERE IN TIME YOUR FAMILY HAD A STRONG BOND, AND RAN ACROSS SEGREGATION! DEPRESSION, THAT WAS MIND CONTROL LOOKING INTO YOUR PET PEEVES, AND INSECURITIES! IT’S HOW THEY DID MOST OF US! YOUR BEAUTIFUL WOMAN, SOAR! WINK, WHEN YOU GET TO THINKING INSECURITIES! JUST SAY, Y’ALL REALLY NEED TO QUIT! HAA-HAAA XO

  21. Dee on May 11, 2011 at 12:09 am

    Yes, since childhood. At that time I didn’t know it was depression I was up and down with emotion

  22. Dee on May 11, 2011 at 12:10 am

    God heals and restores and I am a living testimony to that. To God be the glory. Yes there is a story here. God will allow me to write it. I use my life to encourage others and let themk now God hears your cry even from childhood and He is a faithjful, prayer answering God.

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