RHONJ star reveals bipolar diagnosis and admits she recently suffered a ‘psychotic break’

She said: "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. About almost a month ago, I had a psychotic break.

"I found myself in a position where I was afraid of myself and my own thoughts. And I chose to finally seek proper help. I took a short break from social media as well."

"During this process of seeking help, I was diagnosed with bipolar II," Ashlee revealed.

The ex-TV personality explained she made a "personal choice to begin medication right away, as I truly feel that I had tried everything else up to that point."

Ashlee shared that she was "in denial for a very long time about this diagnosis," because she was "never properly educated about all of the other aspects of having bipolar."

After learning of her diagnosis, Ashlee said it was a "relief to finally have an explanation for certain things."

"This is just yet another chapter of my life," Ashlee wrote.

"I’m curious and hopeful to see where I’ll be a year from now. Life is a journey full of ebbs and flows. Keep going. Be proud of yourself."

The former Bravo star concluded: "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."

'YOU'RE AMAZING'

Fans were quick to react in the comments section as one wrote: "Love you and proud of you!" and another added, "Go forward, you beautiful strong woman."

Even Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo's daughter, Victoria, responded: "You’re amazing for sharing! Thank you."

Singer Bebe Rexha added: Here for anything you need."

Ashlee and her family were part of the Real Housewives franchise for six years.

UPS AND DOWNS

Following her exit from the small screen, Ashlee divorced her husband, Pete, after two years of marriage.

"Pete and I have been through so much together over the last ten years of our lives as not only best friends but partners in navigating parenthood," Ashlee shared at the time.

She added: "This was a difficult decision for us.

"We intend to always be in each other’s lives, and continue to support one another as we grow as parents to our son Cameron, who we both love more than anything."

On RHONJ, fans saw her get pregnant with her son before tying to knot with Pete at the New York City Clerk's office in 2018.