Jax Taylor Reveals Previous Use of Drugs to Escape Mental Health Struggles
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Reality TV personality Jax Taylor has opened up about his past reliance on drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism to “shut my brain off” before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The former Vanderpump Rules star admitted to using substances to mask his problems during an episode of his podcast “In the Mind of Jax Taylor,” where he candidly spoke about his journey to confronting his mental health issues.

During a conversation with guest Jason Tartick, Taylor, 45, reflected on his decision to ignore the signs of his mental health struggles for years, acknowledging that he had a suspicion that something was wrong but chose to avoid confronting it. It wasn’t until he checked himself into rehab in July the previous year that medical professionals were able to delve into the root of his issues. Taylor described reaching a breaking point where he knew something was wrong with him, leading him to seek help for his mental health challenges.

The reality star shared that despite having what seemed like a perfect life on the surface, including a home, cars, and a healthy family, he was plagued by internal turmoil. He admitted, “I’m happy one minute. I’m sad the next minute. And there’s absolutely no reason to be this way because on paper, I have it all.” Taylor confessed that his struggles extended beyond just substance abuse, touching on a range of issues such as validation, insecurity, ego, manipulation, and anger.
In the past, Taylor revealed that he would turn to drugs and alcohol to escape from arguments and stress in his life. He described using substances as a way to switch off his mind for a few hours, which eventually escalated into a pattern of heavy reliance. However, a pivotal moment for Taylor was realizing the impact his behaviour was having on his young son, Cruz, which prompted him to acknowledge the need for a significant change in his life.
Last September, Taylor disclosed that he had received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sharing his journey on social media, he emphasised the importance of prioritising his mental health for the well-being of himself and his family. Taylor expressed a newfound sense of peace and determination to work on himself, highlighting the ongoing nature of his mental health battles.
Reflecting on his experiences, Taylor acknowledged that he still has a long road ahead in terms of self-improvement but viewed his wake-up call as a turning point in his life. By candidly sharing his struggles with substance abuse and mental health, Taylor hopes to raise awareness and encourage others facing similar challenges to seek help and embark on a journey towards healing and recovery.
The journey of self-discovery and confronting mental health struggles is a deeply personal and transformative process for individuals like Jax Taylor. By sharing his story, Taylor sheds light on the importance of seeking help and addressing mental health issues, breaking the stigma surrounding these topics and inspiring others to prioritise their well-being.
