RHONJ Alumni's Daughter Jacqueline Lorita Ashley Maleo Reveals Bipolar Diagnosis

"I'm not going to let anyone try to embarrass me for this. But, I'm also not going to let anyone use my diagnosis as a scapegoat to persecute me," Ashley Maleo said of his bipolar diagnosis.

Ashley Maleo talks about living with bipolar disorder.

Jacqueline Laurita, daughter of a Real Housewives alum from New Jersey, detailed her diagnosis in a lengthy Instagram post-Monday, telling fans she plans to "talk more about it" in the future.

"You may not think I've had many difficulties in my life, but I have," wrote Maleo, 31. About a month ago, I developed a psychotic disorder. I found myself in a situation where I was afraid of myself and my thoughts. And finally, I decided to seek appropriate help."

He adds that he's also taking a break from social media: "During this process of seeking help, I was diagnosed with Bipolar II," Maleo said, adding that he immediately started taking the medication "because I feel like I've tried everything. others so far."

He said he initially "rejected" his diagnosis but did not have sufficient information about his condition. "I'm used to hearing bipolar as a negative adjective to describe someone. I always thought it had to do with mood. But, it's more and more things in my life starting to make sense," Maleo wrote. "It's a relief to finally get an explanation for some things."

Maleo says the diagnosis gave him the power to "take back control." Calling bipolar disorder a "gift of great emotions," Maleo says, "It gave me the level of stamina I desperately needed to grow up. It has allowed me to withstand whatever obstacles the universe throws at me. I am strong. It helped me became imaginative, empathetic, and adaptable — and contributed to my great sense of humor in some ways."