‘RHONJ’ Alum’s Daughter Gets Candid About Mental Health Struggles

RHONJ alum’s daughter got candid about her mental health struggles. She talked about her bipolar diagnosis and psychotic break. The former reality star broke her silence on social media. Read on to learn more.

RHONJ alum breaks her silence on social media

RHONJ alum Jacqueline Laurita’s daughter Ashlee Malleo took to Instagram to share a selfie of herself. In the photo, Ashlee wore a baby blue sweatshirt as she sat in her car. She used this opportunity to speak out about her mental health struggles.

“You may not think that I have had many difficulties in my life, but I have. These last two years have been especially difficult for me,” the RHONJ alum wrote. “About almost a month ago, I had a psychotic break.”

Ashlee said she felt completely alone with her thoughts. She was afraid of what came to her mind during that dark time in her life. The former television personality decided to seek help. That’s when she found she was “diagnosed with bipolar II.”

During that time, Ashlee took a break from social media to focus on her mental health. After her diagnosis, she went on medication for her bipolar disorder. She felt it was the only other option since she “had tried everything up to that point.” Ashlee admitted that she was “in denial” about her mental health struggles.

She realized she was never educated about bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, mental health is still considered a taboo topic. When the former RHONJ learned about her diagnosis, she said it was a “relief to finally have an explanation for certain things.”

Now, Ashlee feels hopeful about the future. She’s embracing the “next chapter in my life.” Laurita’s daughter also shared some inspiring words with fans. The reason why Ashlee spoke out about her mental health was to make it an ongoing conversation.

Ashlee Malleo gets overwhelming support on social media

The former reality star concluded her message by seeing where her life will bring her next year. Ashlee encouraged her fans to “Keep going” and “Be proud of yourself.” She noted that “Life is a journey full of ebbs and flows.”

“I think it’s important for us to speak about all of our individual experiences living with bipolar (and other mental illnesses) so that we can help break down the negative stigmas surrounding mental illness entirely,” Ashlee said.

RHONJ fans took to the comment section to send loving comments. Ashlee received overwhelming support for her honest message. One wrote, “Love you and proud of you!” while another added, “Go forward, you beautiful strong woman.” Long Island Medium star Theresa Caputo’s daughter Victoria wrote, “You’re amazing for sharing! Thank you.”

Ashlee and her family were part of the RHONJ franchise for six seasons. Shortly after she left the show, she divorced her ex-husband, Pete, after two years. During her time on the Bravo series, fans saw her becoming a first-time mom before the two got married at the New York City Clerk’s office in 2018. Check back with TV Shows Ace for more news on RHONJ.