Breaking Down Barriers

Nail techs share how they navigate challenges to flourish in their careers

AMBERLEY ROBINSON

/thenailtattooist

@thenailtattooist

@thenailtattooist

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, seekingIn 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 the rapy and finding support saved my life.the rapy and .

“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 unwell, 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 (pandasfoundation.org.uk), Maternal Mental Health Alliance (maternalmentalhealthalliance.org) and Mind (mind.org.uk) offer helplines and support groups.

LAURA GILBERT-ANDERSON

www.basicwitchnails.uk /basicwitchnailz

@basicwitchnailz

@basicwitchnails

I was diagnosed with a liver condition during my first pregnancy, so my baby and I had to be closely monitored. If test results weren’t good, it meant days spent at the hospital and I was forced to cancel clients’ appointments at short notice. I carried a lot of guilt for letting them down, and became incredibly anxious about my health, as well as that of my baby and business. I was in a vicious circle of doing too much to make up for cancelled time, then having to stop because I’d overworked myself.

Anxiety has been an issue since my early teens and causes me to be critical of my work and interactions, which prevents me from feeling present. While pregnant, my anxiety wore me down and I isolated myself from family and friends. After a particularly intense day in hospital, I realised I didn’t need to carry the weight on my own. The pressure to feel constant joy during pregnancy or as a new mum is common, but it’s OK to voice when you find things tough.

“The pressure to feel constant joy during pregnancy or as a new mum is common, but it’s OK to voice when you find things tough.”

Building a support network is key and honesty is always the best policy: for yourself, those around you and clients. I’ve been lucky to have a supportive circle of friends and my husband, as well as a wonderful midwife and GP. Reaching out to a doctor may be scary, but medical professionals can support you. Help looks different to different people and charity, Maternal Mental Health Alliance (www.maternalmentalhealthalliance.org),can offer advice to suit your needs.

During my second pregnancy, I ensured that I talked regularly about how I was feeling, and I had a better understanding of the signs of poor mental health. It’s important to recognise those feelings and give yourself a break when things feel heavy.

JO BENNETT

/JoBennettNailsAndBeauty

@jobennettnailartistry

@jobennett

When I was a new mum, I struggled to focus, my mood dropped significantly and I had no motivation, whether to take my twins out, work or even wash my face. I also had nightmares and flashbacks, which were later diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I hate to admit that I almost regretted having children, however I couldn’t help

“I struggled to open up at first because I felt an overwhelming urge to be the best mum ever. I pushed my needs to the side and didn’t want to accept that something was wrong.” feeling that way. My husband noticed that something wasn’t right and did everything he could to support me.

I struggled to open up at first because I felt an overwhelming urge to be the best mum ever. I pushed my needs to the side and didn’t want to accept that something was

wrong. Eventually, I was so frustrated by the way I felt that I reached out for help and attended therapy sessions.

For mums that are struggling, my advice would be to share how you’re feeling, whether to a health visitor, doctor, family member, friend or helpline like Samaritans (116 123) or Mind (0300 102 1234). There’s a lot of support out there – you just need to reach out. It’s hard but you will feel better for doing it, and getting help sooner means you can enjoy more time with your children. I felt such a huge weight lift when I shared my feelings.

I felt at my lowest here, but hid my feelings from those around me.