Nicole Martin has officially bid adieu to the glitzy world of "The Real Housewives of Miami" with a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday, September 13th. "After much contemplation, I've made the difficult decision to step away from RHOM," penned the 39-year-old, her words resonating with a sense of profound reflection. "My health and family now take precedence – a pivotal move towards healing and restoring balance. I trust you'll comprehend and uphold this choice."
In a soul-baring social media missive released that day, Nicole divulged her quiet battle with "postpartum anxiety," a journey she embarked on following the arrival of her precious daughter, Genevieve, with fiancé Anthony Lopez in March. "This pregnancy brought forth a new challenge – profound postpartum anxiety, a trial I hadn't confronted in my prior experience," she confessed. "Days turned into weeks of relentless anxiety and fear, creeping in unbidden, as if my mind were perpetually on edge, consumed by endless worries for my baby's well-being, my own, and that of my loved ones."
Nicole's heart wrenched as she recounted the premature birth of Genevieve, five weeks ahead of schedule, and the subsequent two-week NICU stay. With empathy brimming, she exhorted her followers, especially fellow mothers navigating new motherhood, to embrace open dialogue about their mental health struggles. "By sharing our stories, we forge a bond of comfort and solidarity, reminding each other that we're not islands adrift," she said, her voice laced with empathy. "This chapter of my life has been a tumultuous ride, but I'm learning to steer through it."
Although Nicole's departure from the main cast of RHOM marks a transition, she remains an integral part of the franchise's fabric, continuing her journey as a "friend of" in the upcoming Season 7. "I cherish the camaraderie we've shared, and I'm grateful for the platform that allowed me to be vulnerable," she concluded, her words brimming with gratitude. "May my transparency inspire others who find themselves in trying times and encourage us all to uphold each other through life's storms."
In a subsequent interview with People, Nicole clarified that her farewell isn't final, assuring fans, "I'll make occasional appearances, just not as a full-fledged cast member. I need to redirect my focus towards other endeavors for now." Her words painted a picture of resilience and adaptability, promising a future filled with new adventures, even as she gracefully steps back from the spotlight.
