This dramatic hair transformation is raising mental health awareness
Mental health awareness is of vital importance, and sometimes it's the anecdotes of others that remind us how essential it is to be aware of our own mental health, and that of those around us.
One Iowa-based hairdresser took to Facebook to share the story of one of her clients.
When a 16-year-old girl walked into Kayley Olsson's salon, she hadn't brushed her hair for an extended period. In fact, she had barely left her room due to her severe depression.
'Today I had one of the hardest experiences with my client who I am keeping anonymous, I had a 16 year girl come in with who has been dealing with severe depression for a few years now,' she penned in a Facebook post.
'She got to the point where she felt so down and so worthless she couldn't even brush her hair, she told me she only got up to use the restroom.'
'She starts back at school in a few weeks but she has her school pictures today.'
'When she walked in she told us just cut it all off I can't deal with the pain of combing it out, she called herself worthless for it.'
Facebook / Kayley Olsson
'It honestly broke my heart and we tried everything we could to keep this child's hair for her! At the end of the day I want this to be a lesson to people. MENTAL HEALTH is a thing, it effects people all around the world and of all ages!'
'PARENTS take it serious don't just push your kids off and tell them to get over something they legitimately can't. A CHILD should NEVER feel so worthless to not even want to brush their hair.'
'After being here 8 hours yesterday and 5 hours today we finally made this beautiful girl smile and feel like she IS worth something!'
'Her last words to me was "I will actually smile for my schools pictures today, you made me feel like me again"'
The emotional story is going viral on Facebook today, as Kayley's post gains traction.
We have to give her credit for raising awareness for such an important issue.