“Jersey Shore” star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro opened up about an apparent mental health struggles in a post shared to his Instagram story May 4.
He made a jarring social media post Monday on his Instagram Stories mentioning “high functioning depression” amid concerns for his well being.
“High functioning depression is waking up each day with a face that works but a heart that doesn’t, doing everything you’re supposed to do while feeling nothing inside,” he wrote.
Ortiz-Magro continued, “and most days it’s like being trapped in your own life, forced to keep moving even when every part of you wants to stop.”
His statement followed growing concern after the reality star appeared to nod off during an interview. Sources alleged he was forced to stay away from the press on the red carpet event in late April, according to The U.S. Sun.
ELMONT, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 07: Ronnie Ortiz-Magro attends the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Ortiz-Magro’s Instagram Stories acknowledged May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and included an interview of NBA star Kyrie Irving discussing mental health.
TMZ reported that the reality star seemed unable to stay awake during a SiriusXM interview during the media tour for “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.” (RELATED: ‘Columbo’ Star Peter Falk’s Daughter, Jacqueline, Dead By Apparent Suicide At Age 60)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: (L-R) Pauly D, Vinny Guadagnino, Sammi Giancola, Deena Nicole Cortese, Nicole Polizzi, Jennifer Farley, Michael Sorrentino, Angelina Pivarnick, and Ronnie Ortiz-Magro attend the Jersey Shore Family Vacation Premiere at Marquee New York on April 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images for MTV)
Police responded to Ortiz-Magro’s Miami home in March after his ex-girlfriend called as she was moving out amid their breakup, according to a police report previously obtained by TMZ. Police reportedly labeled the call a “domestic dispute.” He has seemingly displayed erratic behavior and has been open about his struggle with addiction over the years.