Reality TV star Jax Taylor, best known for his appearances on Vanderpump Rules and The Valley, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This announcement comes after Taylor, 45, spent over a month in an intensive mental health facility, a decision that he describes as both “scary” and “emotional.”
In an Instagram post shared on Monday, Sept. 2, Taylor detailed his mental health struggles and his journey to better understand himself. The reality star explained that his recent diagnoses have brought clarity but have also been challenging to process. Alongside a black-and-white photo of himself reading, Taylor opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he’s been on.
“A Lifelong Battle”: Taylor’s Mental Health Journey
“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 in his Instagram post. “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.”
The reality star, who rose to fame as part of Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules franchise, shared that learning about his diagnoses has been a turning point. Taylor admitted that it has been a lot to process, but that he’s returning to his everyday life with a newfound sense of peace, especially when it comes to his role as a father.
“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,” he shared. “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.”
Taylor also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received, particularly from others who have opened up to him about their own mental health challenges. “Your messages have helped me more than you know,” he concluded.
Seeking Treatment: A Brave Step Towards Healing
Taylor’s decision to seek help came after years of grappling with mental health issues. In August, he spent 30 days at an in-patient treatment facility. Though it was a difficult decision, Taylor’s representatives said it was a necessary step for his well-being.
“Jax has always been candid about his mental health struggles, especially during the past few months on his podcast,” a representative shared. “He has made the decision to seek in-patient treatment. This is a particularly sensitive time for him and his family. They ask for privacy and respect until he is ready to speak more on this matter.”
Before entering treatment, Taylor posted a photo of two books on Instagram Stories—Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life and Set Boundaries, Find Peace. His caption read “Healing,” signaling that he was ready to take steps towards improving his mental health.
Personal Challenges Amidst Mental Health Struggles
Taylor’s mental health journey has been unfolding against a backdrop of personal challenges. On Tuesday, Aug. 27, his wife of four years, Brittany Cartwright, filed for divorce. According to court documents, the couple, who have a 3-year-old son together, had been separated for several months, with Cartwright citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split.
Cartwright, a Kentucky native who starred alongside Taylor in Vanderpump Rules and Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky, is seeking both legal and physical custody of their son, Cruz Michael Cauchi. The documents also request that Taylor be granted visitation rights but ask for the termination of spousal support for both parties.
The couple’s relationship has been well-documented on reality TV. They met in Las Vegas in 2015 and married in June 2019. In April 2021, they welcomed their son Cruz. However, over the years, their relationship has been tumultuous. Their struggles were a focal point of The Valley, a reality show that chronicles the lives of Vanderpump Rules alumni, including Taylor and Cartwright.
In recent months, Taylor and Cartwright had expressed a desire to expand their family, with Taylor mentioning that they hoped to have at least one more child. “We’re just really busy right now. It’s been a very busy summer. We’re very blessed,” Taylor said in August.
Despite the hope for a growing family, their marriage hit a major rough patch, as seen in season 1 of The Valley. The season ended with Cartwright expressing frustration that the couple hadn’t started trying for a second baby. “What was I thinking staying with him this long?” she wondered aloud during one episode.
Moving Forward: A New Chapter for Jax Taylor
Though the couple’s separation is an additional emotional weight on Taylor’s shoulders, he remains committed to focusing on his mental health and becoming a better version of himself. At the February premiere of The Valley, Taylor revealed that their separation was “best for [their] family” given the issues they had been facing for some time.
As Taylor continues his healing journey, he is preparing to return to filming season 2 of The Valley. According to a source close to Taylor, the reality star’s participation in the show will follow his recent completion of a 30-day treatment program.
“It’s been a tough time for him. He had been in treatment for the last 30 days,” the source said. “Brittany was supportive of Jax’s decision to seek help for their son’s sake. However, going forward, she’s not interested in having anything to do with him.”
Taylor’s focus moving forward is on his son and on continuing to manage his mental health. He acknowledged that his journey is far from over, but he remains hopeful. “Mental health is a lifelong battle of not letting it control you but rather you learning to control it,” Taylor noted in his Instagram post.
As Taylor prepares for the next chapter of his life, both personally and professionally, he is embracing his newfound sense of self-awareness and the tools he has gained through therapy and treatment.
