Kayley Olsson a hairdresser based in Waterloo, Iowa, once gave her teenage client with depression an incredible makeover, so she would look perfect just in time for picture day.
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The result of depression
The young girl who came into the salon that day had dirty, damaged hair full of knots. Whilst she was trying to understand more about how this happened, Kayley found out that the young girl had been suffering from depression for years, making her feel so low that she couldn't even brush her hair. Then it came time for the girl's class photos, meaning something had to be done to help her. The girl had asked Kayley to just cut off all her hair revealing that the state of her tresses made her feel 'worthless.'
Moved by her story, Kayley decided that the young girl's locks could actually be saved and set about taking care of her. Kayley told Today:
We just kept combing and combing and combing.
After 13 hours of work, the young girl’s hair had finally taken shape and looked so much healthier and better. The young girl left the salon with a perfect hairstyleand a new friend. The teen said to the hairdresser:
I will actually smile for my school's pictures today, you made me feel like me again.
A heartbreaking message
Kayley revealed that she sympathised with the teen, as she had often times felt the same way.
I’ve gone through that feeling of being worthless and depressed and not having anyone there. People should be aware of what others are going through. Understand their stories before you judge them.
The story of this encounter spread quickly, and Kayley finished her narrative with a strong message:
MENTAL HEALTH is a thing, it affects people all around the world and of all ages!
She went on to warn parents to 'take it seriously, don’t just push your kids off and tell them to get over something they legitimately can’t.'
