‘Before & After’ Pics Of Teen’s Hair Reveals Just How Crippling Depression Can Be

By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

For those who struggle with depression, day-to-day tasks — such as brushing one’s hair or going outside — often seem like impossibilities. It takes great strength to get up in the morning, put on a happy face, and go to a job or school. An anonymous 16-year-old girl knows this too well.

Recently, the young woman chose to get her hair done in an attempt to battle depression. Fortunately, her hairstylist was not only compassionate, she went above-and-beyond to transform the teen’s tangled locks into a stylish cut.

According to hairdresser Kayley Olsson, the 16-year-old girl who asked for help rarely felt good enough to brush her own hair. As a result, it looked like this:

Olsson shared the unnamed girl’s story on Facebook (with permission), and wrote that the girl confessed she rarely left her bed other than to visit the bathroom. With school pictures coming up, the teen decided she needed to do something, so she mustered up large amounts of courage and walked into the hair salon.

Overwhelmed by the condition of her hair, the teen asked Kayley to just “chop it all off.” The hairstylist did one better. She worked magic on the girl’s hair until it was totally flaunt-worthy. She then posted “before and after” pictures to Facebook in an effort to raise awareness about the crippling weight of depression.

Olsson wrote:

“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 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. 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” ❤️❤️

As Ian MacLaren said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Hopefully, this teen’s radical transformation will encourage people to formulate compassion for those who struggle with mental illnesses.

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I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here