Jax Taylor opens up about mental health struggles and eventual diagnosis amid Brittany Cartwright divorce

LOS ANGLES, CALIFORNIA: Jax Taylor, the former 'Vanderpump Rules' star, opened up about his mental health struggles following a recent month-long stay in an inpatient facility, which coincided with the unraveling of his five-year marriage to Brittany Cartwright.

The 45-year-old took to Instagram on September 2 to disclose that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Jax Taylor opens up about his mental health battle

In his emotional post, Jax Taylor recounted the moment he decided to seek help, writing, "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."

The reality star added, "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." 

He also touched on the impact his mental health journey has had on his relationship with his and Cartwright's three-year-old son, Cruz, admitting, "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." 

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Taylor noted, "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 Bravo star concluded his post by expressing gratitude to his fans and followers for their unwavering support, writing, "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."

'The Valley' spin-off reportedly cemented Brittany Cartwright's decision to end marriage

Jax Taylor opened up about his diagnosis just days after his wife, Brittany Cartwright, filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences."

The couple, who began dating in 2015 and tied the knot in 2019, have faced mounting tensions, leading to "bitter fights" that ultimately took a toll on their son, Cruz.

An insider revealed that Cartwright's involvement in the spin-off show 'The Valley' played a pivotal role in her decision to leave Taylor. "Doing 'The Valley' with Jax really helped her cement her decision to leave him," told the source to Daily Mail.

They added, "On 'Vanderpump Rules,' she dealt with so much from him, but she would re-watch the footage and see a love story. But after watching footage from 'The Valley,' she was truly able to see how much their dynamic had changed and how he no longer respected her."

"They were not having sex and ultimately the marriage became a bitter fight," claimed the tipster. 

As their son Cruz began to feel the effects of their escalating conflicts, Cartwright made the difficult decision to separate from Taylor, officially moving out in January.

Although some initially speculated that the split was a PR stunt, it became clear that she was serious when the 35-year-old announced their separation in February. 

Brittany Cartwright seeks full custody of son Cruz

Brittany Cartwright is supposedly seeking full custody of three-year-old Cruz and does not expect Jax Taylor to challenge her for more than visitation rights.

"Cruz is a momma's boy," shared a source close to the couple, adding, "Giving him joint custody is not an option at this time and she does not expect him to fight her at all on it."

Cartwright appears to be moving forward with her life despite the ongoing turmoil.

In a recent Instagram post, she shared a glamorous photo of herself dressed in hot pink. She captioned the post, "Getting my sparkle back," signaling her determination to reclaim her happiness.

Cartwright reportedly ditched her wedding ring and had alcohol delivered to her Los Angeles Airbnb after filing for divorce from Taylor. Meanwhile, he was seen dining alone at Craig's in Hollywood just hours after he was served the divorce papers.

As the former couple’s story continues to unfold, fans can expect to witness the final chapter of their relationship in the next season of Bravo's 'The Valley'.