Jax Taylor at the 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner

Jax Taylor Breaks Silence On Mental Health Diagnosis Amid Divorce: 'An Emotional Time For Me'

Home / News / Jax Taylor Breaks Silence On Mental Health Diagnosis Amid Divorce: 'An Emotional Time For Me'

By Afouda Bamidele on September 2, 2024 at 5:15 PM EDT

Jax Taylor has finally shared the reason behind his recent trip to a rehabilitation facility, and it's pretty heavy!

The "Vanderpump Rules" alum got vulnerable with fans on social media, opening up about his mental health struggles and how the diagnosis has been an emotional journey for him.

Jax Taylor is embroiled in an ongoing divorce with his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright. She filed to end their five-year union shortly after the TV personality was released from rehab.

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Jax Taylor Always Felt Something Was Wrong With Him

Jax Taylor gets a haircut after being released from mental health facility and after estranged wife Brittany Cartwright said she wants nothing to do with him any more
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Taylor addressed his recent mental health diagnosis on Instagram, sharing a black-and-white picture of himself leisurely reading on a couch. Although he looked dashing and at peace, the post's caption revealed his hidden struggles.

"A little over a month ago, I checked into an intensive inpatient treatment facility, scared of the unknown and what I would find out about myself," Taylor began, adding:

"After many years of knowing something was wrong but not knowing exactly what it was, I recently learned that I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD."

"It's been a lot to process and an emotional time for me. However, I've come home to my son with a newfound sense of peace," Taylor continued, noting his fear of the future and his resolve to overcome the hurdles in his path.

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Taylor Wants To Become The Best Version Of Himself

While reflecting on what lies ahead, Taylor confessed, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared for the future, but my focus is just trying to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday."

"Mental health is a lifelong battle of not letting it control you but rather you learning to control it," the reality TV star added before expressing gratitude to those who checked up on his well-being.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out in support and who also shared their own personal struggles with me. Your messages have helped me more than you know," Taylor concluded his message.

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Fans Rally In Taylor's Corner Against Critics

Taylor's mental health announcement received an outpour of love and support from fans, so much so that they drowned the voices of critics. Conspiracy theorists saw his revelation as a scheme, with one claiming:

"He's simply trying to get attention and sympathy here... it's obvious. It's no excuse to treat people poorly."

However, comments like that were vehemently bashed by others who stressed the importance of supporting those struggling with their mental health. "Proud of you for seeking help, and you don't owe anyone an explanation for what gave you PTSD," a fan wrote.

"These comments illustrate perfectly why people don't like to discuss their mental health. Remember, your reaction is only a reflection of you, not him," another supporter pointed out.

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The TV Personality Marked His Release With A New Haircut

Taylor's decision to be better than yesterday's version of himself began weeks earlier, with The Blast sharing that he re-emerged into the spotlight with a bold new look.

Dressed in a black top, jeans, and sneakers, Taylor exuded a refreshed vibe as he visited the Dapper Dave's Barber Lounge in North Hollywood. He was seen getting a sleek haircut with his "The Valley" co-star Daniel Booko. 

Days before his public debut, Taylor revealed his intention to return to filming the second season of "The Valley," which has been in production since early summer. He also vowed to prioritize quality time with his son, Cruz.

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Brittany Cartwright Files For Divorce From Jax Taylor

Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright at Craig's for dinner
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Although Taylor was ready to prioritize work and his son, he would need to shell out time for Cartwright to settle their divorce. The Blast shared that she filed to end their five-year union shortly after his release from rehab.

She cited "irreconcilable differences" as her reason for divorce but surprisingly listed their separation date as January 24, 2024. The estranged couple did not announce their split at that time but a month later.

As for her demands, Cartwright asked for primary custody of their son and visitation rights for her estranged beau. She also implored the court to terminate their rights to spousal support.

Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor said their vows in 2019 at the Kentucky Castle in Versailles. Will their divorce be an amicable split or a nasty court battle?

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