KJ Dillard is opening up about one of the most difficult periods of his life.
During the June 2 episode of Carl Radke’s “More Life With Carl Radke” podcast, the “Summer House” newcomer spoke candidly about financial struggles, mental health challenges, a temporary split from Dara Levitan, and the support system that helped him through it all.
While fans met KJ during season 10 of “Summer House,” he revealed that life became much harder after filming ended.
“I had a great summer, but when summer ended, I started to feel alone because it was like coming from this high back down to reality because yeah, in the summer, we film every week, we have something to look forward to, we’re around our friends all the time, but then after, everyone goes back to their lives and … the structure’s gone,” he explained.
According to KJ, the transition left him feeling lost.
KJ Dillard Shares Details About Financial Struggles and Rock Bottom
KJ admitted that work slowed down significantly after filming wrapped, creating financial stress that impacted multiple areas of his life.
“Financially, I was in a terrible place,” he shared. “I wasn’t working like how I am now, and I just had nothing. I had nothing. I was homeless for a little bit. I was staying at Ciara’s and Dara’s. It was a mess.”
At the time, KJ said he was splitting his time between Ciara Miller’s and Dara’s homes while also struggling in his relationship.
“I was taking out what I was going through on her. And I wasn’t even aware of it, and I also was not in therapy, and I was only on one medication for my anxiety and depression,” he said.
He later learned there was more behind what he was experiencing.
After reaching what he described as his lowest point, KJ made the decision to seek help.
“I cut myself. I don’t mind sharing that,” he said. “But through the dark, there’s light. Because I hadn’t done that since high school. I’ve always dealt with cutting, and it was, at that moment, where I was just like, ‘Oh, I need help.’”
KJ revealed that Dara contacted both Ciara and Mia Calabrese, who came to help and took him to the hospital.
“It was my rock bottom,” he said.
The ‘Summer House’ Star Credits Friends for Helping Him Through Recovery
KJ said he initially had concerns about being hospitalized because of difficult experiences from his childhood.
However, he ultimately agreed to stay and focus on getting better.
“I remember as soon as I got to the hospital, they stitched me up, and they were like, ‘Do you want to stay?’ And I was like, ‘Yes,’” he recalled.
While undergoing treatment and participating in daily therapy, KJ received a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder.
“I remember sitting in the office at the hospital with the doctors, and they were like, ‘You have BPD.’ And I was like, ‘It makes sense now,’” he said.
“Because I’m a very emotional person. I feel things very deeply.”
Looking back, KJ believes the temporary breakup with Dara was necessary while he focused on his recovery.
“She had to because I was just in the worst place ever,” he said.
KJ also revealed that Mia encouraged Dara to end the relationship at the time.
“Mia told me that she told Dara to do that,” he shared. “But that wouldn’t have been good for either of us. I needed the time.”
“If me and Dara were dating when I was in recovery, it would’ve been a mess. I would’ve been focused on saving the relationship rather than focusing on my health.”
At the time of the interview, KJ suggested the couple was doing well.
“Me and Dara’s relationship is thriving and I’m glad that we broke up for a little bit and just worked on ourselves and kinda went our own separate ways,” he said.
However, recent social media activity has fueled speculation that the pair may have split again. Fans noticed that KJ and Dara no longer follow one another on Instagram, and KJ recently removed photos of Dara from his account.
The speculation grew after KJ shared a message titled “Heartbreaks & Setbacks” on June 1.
“Heartbreaks and setbacks, true love I’ve felt that, love is a rush, but I’m in no rush …” the message began.
KJ concluded the post with a simple caption: “God’s love never fails.”
The season 10 reunion of “Summer House” concludes June 9 on Bravo.
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