Nail tech’s maternal mental health struggles: ‘Talking & finding support saved my life’
By Guest Writer | 07 May 2025 | Feature, Health & wellbeing, Tech Talk
New Mexico tech, Amberley Robinson, aka The Nail Tattooist, opens up about her maternal mental health experiences…
When my first child was six months old, I juggled roles as a full-time beauty student and breastfeeding mum. Leaving my son with a caregiver each day made me feel heartbroken and guilty, and I struggled with the responsibility of pursuing a career while being the mother he needed. At the same time, I was carrying unprocessed grief from my brother’s passing around a year and a half earlier. As I focused on being a new mum, I put my grieving process on hold.
My second pregnancy was relatively easy, but my life was not. I was renting a booth and wore many hats: nail artist, business owner and mother. When my daughter was six months old, my father died and my world turned upside down. My support system crumbled, making me feel completely alone. The weight of everything became too much and I spiralled into a deep depression. My marriage struggled and I convinced myself that my family would be better off without me. In my darkest moment, I attempted to leave this world.
In response, my husband took care of our children for three months so I could focus on my mental health. It was the hardest time of my life, but forced me to confront my pain. I found a therapist and psychiatrist and began to rebuild my life. I hadn’t felt that I could speak up about my issues, and kept my pain hidden out of fear of judgment, seeming weak and feeling like a burden to others. I’ve since learned that silence only makes pain heavier.
Talking about my struggles, seeking therapy and finding support saved my life.
My husband and I started to find our way back to each other, and I fell pregnant. I wasn’t prepared mentally, emotionally or physically, and it was the toughest pregnancy on my body. Having experienced postpartum depression, I was proactive and spoke with my doctor. She prescribed medication, which made me ill, so I found other ways to cope.
To mothers who are struggling, remember that your mental health comes first. Find your support system, whether it’s clients, fellow techs, friends or a therapist. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness, and your voice is powerful. Set boundaries, give yourself grace and know that you are deserving of care and compassion. Organisations like PANDAS Foundation, Maternal Mental Health Alliance and Mind offer helplines and support groups.
What I’d tell my past self:
You are not alone or failing, and you are worthy of love, support and happiness. Asking for help is not weakness; it’s survival. You will get through this and one day, you will use your story to help others.
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