The truth behind this photo: Top hairdresser, 25, reveals the crippling personal struggles she’s facing behind the scenes every day
- Maxi Dottori, 25, works at salon Capelli e Bellezza in Frankston, Melbourne
- She shared a photo of herself smiling and wearing a brimmed hat on Instagram
- The young woman said she has struggled with anxiety & depression for 10 years
- She encourages other to seek help when they’re feeling down and out
Maxi Dottori is a senior stylist working at one of the best hair salons in Melbourne.
On top of that she spends everyday with her mother Michelle and sister Tayla, who all co-own Frankston-based salon, Capelli e Bellezza. It’s a supportive and comfortable environment.
But behind her wide smile and perfectly tousled blonde hair, the 25-year-old has been hiding some ‘not so great secrets’ – secrets she has now shared in the hope that others can relate to ‘not being okay’.
‘I haven’t worn this hat since that lady sent an email to the salon saying how ridiculous it looked,’ Maxi captioned a photo of herself.
Maxi Dottori (pictured) is a senior stylist working at one of the best hair salons in Melbourne
‘As much I shrugged it off, it actually really affected me and made me self-conscious wearing it.’
The top hairdresser has suffered from anxiety and depression for 10 years and is ‘proudly’ on medications to keep the symptoms at bay.
‘I was severely bullied throughout my first year of high school, which is what I think caused the initial anxiety and depression,’ she told FEMAIL.
Maxi finds it very difficult to share her innermost feelings as a result and particularly dislikes speaking on the phone with strangers.
The top hairdresser has suffered from anxiety and depression for 10 years and is ‘proudly’ on medications to keep the symptoms at bay
Maxi finds it very difficult to share her innermost feelings as a result and particularly dislikes speaking on the phone with strangers
‘I cannot speak on the phone… I absolutely hate it. If you call me, I won’t answer unless you’re my mum, partner or siblings and even then I’ll probably hang up mid conversation,’ she continued.
‘I try and call my partner daily instead of texting to overcome this.’
She can find herself being ‘quite anti social’ as a result of her anxiety, which has only be amplified by how popular she has become online.
‘I fear people judging me or doing the wrong thing… I have been really working on overcoming this which is why you may see me socialising but I get the worst gut feeling before I attend something,’ she said.
One of her best coping strategies is reaching out and talking to people when she’s feeling uncomfortable.
One of her best coping strategies is reaching out and talking to people when she’s feeling uncomfortable
‘My go-to person is usually my mum or my partner.. they can both spot it when I’m feeling down,’ she said.
‘Just telling someone you feel a bit off today helps so much. Another way I deal with my anxiety is working, I honestly love my job and it’s the one thing that I find helps me through a rough day.’
Her photo and matching caption has garnered a large number of likes online and is a firm reminder that ‘no one is perfect.’
‘Instagram is a small highlight of my life. I don’t post the hard times (much), I don’t post how tired or sore I am, I don’t tell you when I’m anxious or down.’
Maxi is a fierce advocate of the ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ movement which started in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.
You can follow Maxi on her Instagram account, Hair by Maxi.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from anxiety or depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for anonymous support.
Further resources and national help lines/websites can be found here