Ronnie Ortiz-Magro Addresses Health Concerns as 'Jersey Shore' Star Reveals Struggles With Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is finally coming forward about his mental health struggles.

In a Tuesday, May 5, Instagram Story, the Jersey Shore star, 40, disclosed that he suffers from anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

“I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who has reached out and shown support. I really appreciate all of the fans sharing their stories of mental health struggles with me. It shows that we are not alone,” he wrote. “Even though everything may look perfect on the outside, every day I battle my depression, bipolar [disorder] and anxiety in silence. I know there are many people who do the same. While there are prescription medications that I take to help me manage symptoms, and I participate in weekly therapy, etc., unfortunately, and as others in similar situations can attest, these are ongoing measures and not a finite/permanent cure.”

Ortiz-Magro’s admission comes days after a video of him nodding off during an interview with his Jersey Shore: Family Vacation costars went viral.

“I have tried very hard to not let any of my symptoms impact how I show up for my Jersey Shore family and the fans. Last week, what you saw during that interview was evidence of my ongoing struggle,” he explained on Tuesday. “Some recent emotional events had begun to wear on me. Medication has helped me manage my symptoms, but it can have side effects. Typically, I can work through the effects in private."

"Wanting to be with my castmates for a press tour celebration at the same time as carrying this weight required me to work through the effects in a public setting; as a result, I was taped nodding off, which started rumors and accusations," the dad-of-one said.

The reality star admitted he had been attempting to hide his struggles but was unsuccessful.

“I thought I could be strong enough to get through it, but what you saw was me trying to battle through one of my toughest moments,” he revealed. “I pushed myself to try to show up for other people when I just needed to show up for myself.”

Ortiz-Magro concluded by telling fans what he’s learned over the past week as his mental health has received increased media attention.

“I have learned that no matter the situation, event, or circumstances, you have to put your mental health first and prioritize your own care no matter what, and I will continue to do that every day,” he expressed. “It means the world to me that everyone has rallied for me and has seen past the rumors.”

The 40-year-old continued, “Please feel free to reach out to continue to share your experiences, as it makes me (and everyone else reading) feel like they are not alone. Thank you again to everyone who sent their prayers and love! It means more at a time like this more than I can explain. If you know anyone suffering from mental health-related difficulties, please be kind and patient.”