Jax Taylor is shedding light on his emotional journey toward mental health recovery.
The 45-year-old star of "The Valley" revealed on Instagram, Monday, September 2, that he has recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD after years of grappling with mental health challenges. He also described how confronting these diagnoses has been a deeply “emotional” experience for him.
“Just over a month ago, I admitted myself to an intensive inpatient treatment center, feeling afraid of the unknown and what I might uncover about myself,” Taylor wrote, sharing a black-and-white photo of himself reading. “After many years of sensing something was wrong but not knowing what, I finally discovered that I have Bipolar Disorder and PTSD."
"It’s been a lot to take in and a very emotional period for me, but I've returned home to my son with a renewed sense of peace," he continued. "I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t apprehensive about the future, but my priority now is to focus on being a better version of myself than I was yesterday. Mental health is a lifelong battle, where it’s less about letting it control you and more about learning to manage it."
Taylor concluded his message by saying, “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with support and shared their personal struggles. Your messages have meant more to me than you can imagine.”
It was previously reported on August 20 that the "Vanderpump Rules" alum had completed a 30-day stay in an inpatient facility to concentrate on his mental health. TMZ was the first to break the news.
"Jax has always been open about his mental health issues, especially in recent months on his podcast," Taylor's representative told earlier, adding, “He decided to seek inpatient treatment. This is a particularly delicate time for him and his family, and they ask for privacy and respect until he feels ready to speak more about it."
Before entering the treatment center, Taylor posted an image on his Instagram Stories featuring two books, "Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life" and "Set Boundaries, Find Peace", with the caption "Healing," as reported by TMZ.
Taylor's announcement comes shortly after the news that his wife of four years, Brittany Cartwright, had filed for divorce on August 27, nearly six months after the couple had been “taking time apart,” according to court documents obtained. The documents noted their separation date as January 24 and cited "irreconcilable differences" as the cause for their split.
Cartwright requested both legal and physical custody of their 3-year-old son, Cruz Michael Cauchi, while also asking the court to grant Taylor visitation rights. She further requested that spousal support be terminated for both parties.
Taylor and Cartwright’s relationship was documented on "Vanderpump Rules" and its spin-offs "Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky" and "The Valley". The pair, who first crossed paths in Las Vegas in 2015, tied the knot in June 2019 and welcomed their son, Cruz Michael Cauchi, on April 12, 2021.
In August 2023, the couple expressed a desire to expand their family. "At least one more," Taylor had shared. "We’re just really busy at the moment. It’s been a very hectic summer, and we feel incredibly blessed."
However, the first season of "The Valley" depicted the couple going through a challenging phase, with Cartwright expressing her frustration about not starting to try for a second child.
“What was I thinking, staying with him for so long?” she questioned in one of the episodes.
At the February premiere of "The Valley", Taylor told that they believed the separation was "best for [their] family" as they had been "going through some things for a while now."
A source recently told that Taylor is set to return for the second season of "The Valley", alongside former "VPR" star Kristen Doute and new cast members Luke Broderick, Jesse Lally, Danny Booko, Nia Booko, Michelle Lally, Jason Caperna, and Janet Caperna.
“Jax will resume filming for the second season of "The Valley" after completing his time at the mental health facility,” the source said. "It’s been a difficult period for him. He spent the last 30 days in treatment. Brittany supported his decision to seek help for their son’s sake. However, moving forward, she wants nothing to do with him."
Season 1 of "The Valley" is currently available to stream on Peacock.
The Quran - Chapter Al-Haqqah : 18 - 19
You will then be presented ˹before Him for judgment˺, and none of your secrets will stay hidden.
As for those given their records in their right hand, they will cry ˹happily˺, “Here ˹everyone˺! Read my record!
