“I thought I could be strong enough to get through it,” said the reality star, “but what you saw was me trying to battle through one of my toughest moments.”

Jersey Shore star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro addresses mental health struggles, interview clip of him ‘nodding off’

"I thought I could be strong enough to get through it," said the reality star, "but what you saw was me trying to battle through one of my toughest moments."

By Marina Watts

Marina Watts

Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek.

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May 6, 2026 12:16 p.m. ET

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro in 2022. Credit:

Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

- Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is getting candid about his mental health struggles.

- The *Jersey Shore *star addressed a recent concerning clip that seemed to show him "nodding off" during an interview.

- The reality star said "even though everything may look perfect on the outside," he battles with his depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety every day "in silence."

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is opening up about his mental health.

The *Jersey Shore *star got candid about his depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety in a series of Instagram Stories on Tuesday, also addressing a clip of an April interview with the cast of *Jersey Shore: Family Vacation* that seemed to show him disoriented and nodding off on camera.

"I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who has reached out and shown support," Ortiz-Magro began. "I really appreciate all of the fans sharing their stories of mental health struggles with me. It shows that we are not alone."

He continued, "Even though everything may look perfect on the outside, everyday [sic] I battle my depression, bipolar [disorder], and anxiety in silence. I know there are many people who do the same."

The *Jersey Shore *star acknowledged that while he uses prescription medications and therapy sessions to manage his symptoms, they are "ongoing measurements" and not a "permanent cure."

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro's recent Instagram Story.

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro/Instagram

He added that he has tried "very hard" not to let his mental health struggles affect how he presents himself to his *Jersey Shore *family and fans. "Last week, what you saw during that interview was evidence of my ongoing struggle. Some recent emotional events had begun to wear on me," Ortiz-Magro continued, explaining that his medication has been helpful but that he's experienced some side effects, which he's been able to work on in private.

"Wanting to be with my castmates for a press tour celebration at the same time as carrying the weight required me to work through the effects in a public setting," he said. As a result, he was "taped nodding off," which started "rumors."

Among those who addressed Ortiz-Magro's behavior was his costar Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, who expressed concerns after the incident.

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"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," Ortiz-Magro said in his Instagram Story. "I pushed myself to try to show up for other people when I just needed to show up for myself."

The Situation says his 'heart is heavy' seeing 'Jersey Shore' costar Ronnie Ortiz-Magro struggle through interview

'Jersey Shore' star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro shares multiple posts about mental health after concerning interview

Ortiz-Magro said he has learned that "no matter the situation, event, or circumstances, you have to put your mental health first and prioritize your own care," adding that he plans to do that every day now.

"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," he told his fans, saying their support meant "the world" to him.

The reality star concluded, "If you know anyone suffering from mental health–related difficulties, please be kind and patient."

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro in New York in September 2025.

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

The reality star previously discussed his mental health in a series of Instagram updates on Monday, sharing encouraging messages for fans experiencing their own struggles.

Ortiz-Magro also revealed in February 2019 that he had sought treatment for alcohol abuse and depression. "Eventually, all the bad decisions I was making were going to lead me to places that I didn't want to be," he told *Us Weekly *at the time. "I wanted to be led to the place that I am now — that's happy, healthy, and the best role model for my daughter."

*Jersey Short: Family Vacation* returns for its ninth and final season on May 7.

*If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.*

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