Reality TV personality Jax Taylor, known for his role on Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules” and “The Valley,” has publicly shared his recent diagnoses of bipolar disorder and PTSD. In a candid Instagram post on September 2nd, Taylor, 45, opened up about his journey at an inpatient treatment facility and the emotional impact of these revelations.
Taylor admitted to feeling apprehensive about seeking treatment initially, stating, “scared of the unknown” as he began his journey to recovery. He further explained, “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.” This marked the first time Taylor has publicly addressed his mental health struggles and the specific conditions he is now managing.
Bipolar disorder, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a chronic mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings, ranging from periods of euphoric highs to depressive lows. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the National Institute of Mental Health, can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic, frightening, or dangerous event. While Taylor did not disclose the specifics of his PTSD triggers or the nuances of his bipolar disorder diagnosis, his openness is a significant step in destigmatizing mental health conversations, especially within the public eye.
Despite the challenges of processing these diagnoses, Taylor conveyed a sense of optimism and relief. “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 shared. This newfound peace appears to be a driving force as he navigates both his personal life and public persona.
Taylor’s personal life has been under scrutiny, particularly his relationship with Brittany Cartwright. Cartwright, who shares their 3-year-old son Cruz Taylor with Jax, filed for divorce on August 27th. Their marital issues and family dynamics have been a central storyline across “Vanderpump Rules” and their spin-off show, “The Valley”. The couple, who married in 2019 and also starred in “Vanderpump Rules: Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky,” have had their ups and downs extensively documented on television.
In his message, Taylor also reflected on the road ahead, acknowledging, “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.” This statement underlines a commitment to ongoing self-improvement and mental health management.
Taylor also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received. “Thank you 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,” he wrote, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating mental health challenges.
Prior to his public announcement of the diagnosis, reports surfaced about Taylor’s time in a treatment facility. People magazine reported on August 20th that Taylor was preparing to leave the center he entered in July. Further back, on July 31st, Taylor had posted on Instagram about “working on getting better” for himself and his son, signaling his proactive approach to his well-being even before disclosing the specific diagnoses.
Meanwhile, “The Valley,” which features Taylor, Cartwright, and other familiar faces like Kristen Doute, continues filming for its second season. Recent sightings of the cast filming at Jax’s Studio City bar, temporarily rebranded as “Britt’s,” as Cartwright showcased on her Instagram on August 22nd, indicate that personal developments will likely intertwine with the show’s narrative.
Brittany Cartwright’s divorce petition indicates she is seeking joint legal and physical custody of Cruz. As Jax Taylor embarks on this new chapter with a clearer understanding of his mental health, his journey of self-improvement will undoubtedly be closely watched by both his fans and the public, particularly in the context of his family and ongoing television career.
