Mum shaves 13-year dreadlocks for mental health

Jess Olsen knows all too well the struggles that can come from loved ones committing suicide.

In a bid to spread mental health awareness, she has shaved off her 13-year dreadlocks.

After hearing Mike King speaking passionately about the I Am Hope charity, Olsen decided she wanted to support it.

Olsen has seen two of her close friends commit suicide, one at 18, another at 22.

“It’s devastating, grieving a loss to suicide,” she said.

“It’s such a hard grief, there’s so much anger and so much self-blame.”

Olsen said she doesn’t want anyone to suffer through that any more, or grieve that loss.

According to the mental health foundation, approximately 538 people died by suspected suicide in the 2021-22 financial year.

PHOTOS / MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM Jess Olsen grew her dreads for 13 years, and shaved them for I am Hope outside her cafe, Hello Pickle.

Hairdresser Vincent Nathan shaves the 13-year dreadlocks off Jess Olsen, pictured here with her 3-year-old daughter, Moana.

An emotional moment between Jess Olsen and her supportive husband, Zac.

Jess Olsen bravely shaves her 13-year dreadlocks for I am Hope yesterday, her husband, Zac, looking on proudly.