Body positivity, self-love, and mental health blogger Dot Masters looks back on how, amidst the chaos, the pandemic helped them discover themselves
The pandemic was eye opening for local Instagram blogger Dot Masters who talks daily about mental health, body image, and queer issues to thousands of followers. They started their Instagram page during the first lockdown to document their thoughts, only to realise later that it helped others.
18 months on, the page has now become a full-time job for Dot, which they manage alongside being a stay-at-home mum to two.
Dot, now 25, and their husband moved from England and now live on the outskirts of Cardiff.
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Growing up was tough as Dot did not have a strong support system, so when diagnosed with anxiety and depression, it was hard to deal with. “It wasn’t until I was in high school that I realised not everyone has these issues. It wasn’t talked about, it wasn’t acknowledged,” they said.
Having struggled with body image issues, on Dot’s daughter’s birthday during the first lockdown, they were struck by a “lightbulb moment”.
I thought: if I didn’t want to pass it on to them, then I shouldn’t be doing it. So, I had the cake
While baking cake, Dot did not eat any, and their children asked why. “I didn’t want to tell them I couldn’t have cake because I didn’t want to pass it to them,” Dot reflected. “And I thought: if I didn’t want to pass it on to them, then I shouldn’t be doing it. So, I had the cake.”
Dot quit dieting and the next day, they started their Instagram account.
Helping others feel seen
Dot amassed more than 3,700 followers over a year. The motivation behind starting their page was simple. They wanted to normalise talking about mental health and body image issues, and to let people know that they’re seen.
Having grown up without an inspiring figure, Dot wanted to motivate others who grew up in similar situations.
“Lots of people don’t have great role models, I know I didn’t,” they explained. “My page was like a diary, but then it started gaining traction and I realised that I was helping people.”
How the pandemic affected their content
The subsequent lockdowns acted as a “step back from society” and gave them enough time to introspect. Having used life to distract them in the past, whenever Dot felt overwhelmed, they would simply repress it.
But as the country faced a mental health crisis, Dot began creating content on feeling vulnerable. Their content revolves around body positivity, raising awareness about non-binary people, self-love, and normalising things that are frowned upon.
Dot’s Instagram posts are accompanied by raw captions about tackling anxiety, being stronger than one’s struggles, and knowing what you deserve.
Their comments section is filled with positivity as many people relate to Dot’s content and thank them for making them feel more comfortable in their skin.
A fresh outlook on life
Dot ponders, “Now, I find the magic, beauty, joy and love in the little things.”
The pandemic has forced people to re-evaluate what is important in life. It is now a hug from a loved one, a walk in the park with a dog, and sharing a laugh over a cup of coffee.
Through Instagram, Dot is grateful to have met like-minded people and even made friends in South Wales.
For Dot, “What makes life beautiful is the littlest things.”
Looking for more body positivity and mental health content? @dream0graphy: Abbie taught me not to make myself smaller, and that it’s okay to take up space. She’s a walking rainbow in every sense of the word. @lifejourneyofbeth: Beth talks about mental illness, ADHD, and all sorts of body positivity things. She shares the important messages and is a true inspiration. @meganjaynecrabbe: In her book Body Positive Power, Megan writes about how beauty standards have always changed through the years. We can’t put ourselves in boxes. The book really helped me as I did not know a lot beforehand. @that.fattie.serena: Serena is all about empowerment, body positivity, and her works also revolves around combatting racism. Her content is real and raw. @matisse.dupont: Matisse does gender consultations to help people figure out who they are. They were a huge influence for me knowing that I’m non-binary. They make informative reels about the history of queerness, how we got here, and I love that with them, I’m always learning.