Image via Facebook

The hairstylist spent 8 hours working on the teen’s hair for school pictures

Depression is a serious mental health issue that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It doesn’t discriminate. But it’s especially heartbreaking when it hits kids and teenagers, like this young woman who had given up on taking care of her hair. Because depression can make even the simplest acts of self-care — like brushing and washing your hair — seem impossible.

Kayley Olsson, the hairstylist who took care of the teen, shared the girl’s story on Facebook.

“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,” Olsson wrote.

“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.”

Recognizing that this young girl deserved the best treatment the salon had to offer, Olsson made sure they took good care of her. They worked on her hair for eight hours, doing everything in their power to help this girl feel good about her upcoming school pictures.

“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,” Olsson wrote.

What a meaningful lesson for parents and people everywhere, seriously. When you’re suffering from depression, taking care of yourself or accomplishing regular, everyday tasks are a struggle. A fresh haircut and a little TLC are a great way to make anyone feel better, even in ideal circumstances.

The young girl in these photos may have been feeling incredibly overwhelmed at the thought of beginning a new school year and having to take pictures. We hope the care and attention she received at the salon — which resulted in a gorgeous cut and style — helped give her the boost she deserves.

“After being here 8 hours yesterday and 5 hours today we finally made this beautiful girl smile and feel like she IS worth something, Olsson wrote.

“Her last words to me were ‘I will actually smile for my schools pictures today, you made me feel like me again.'”