After years of questionable behavior across Bravo reality series, Jax Taylor shared that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD. Earlier this summer, TMZ reported that The Valley castmate had completed 30 days in an in-patient psychiatric facility amid his separation from estranged wife and co-star Brittany Cartwright. Following the news that Cartwright has officially filed for divorce, the 45-year-old addressed his impatient stay with an explanation of his new mental-health reality.
“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 wrote. “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.”
Addressing the aftermath of his treatment, Jax credited his 3-year-old son, Cruz, for making him want to be a better man and parent. “It’s been a lot to process and an emotional time for me, however I’ve come home to my son with a new found sense of peace,” he continued. “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.”
Over 12 years as a Bravo star, Taylor has been filmed getting into physical altercations, cheating on girlfriends, and body-shaming and belittling Cartwright — but it’s rare that we see men on reality television seek help or discuss their mental health openly. Per TMZ, before entering the mental health facility, Taylor also posted photos of the books Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life and Set Boundaries, Find Peace alongside the caption “Healing.” “Thank you everyone who has reached out in support and who also shared their own personal struggles with me,” Taylor concluded. “Your messages have helped me more than you know.”
