Rachel Leviss has been reflecting on her mental health throughout all of last year. Vanderpump Rules fans will remember how she willingly checked into intensive therapy treatment in an Arizona facility after the Tom Sandoval scandal. Ever since then, she has been open and honest about her struggles and how she can overcome them.
In a recent episode of her podcast, Rachel opened up about having ADHD and how she suffered the years her disorder went undiagnosed. She is glad now to have an answer to why her brain works differently and wants to work to get rid of the stigma surrounding mental health.
Rachel Leviss Spoke Candidly About Her Diagnosis
Rachel Leviss was diagnosed with ADHD in early adulthood, and a lot of things fell into place for her. During an episode of her podcast, Rachel Goes Rogue, she invited ADHD advocate Paige Layle, and in that safe space, she spoke candidly about how “life-changing” getting her diagnosis was, and the bittersweet feeling of realizing she had punished herself for things that weren’t her fault.
“Growing up school was very difficult for me. I did not realize that my brain was structured in a different way,” she shared.
“I always just thought I was stupid because I couldn't pass my multiplication tables test, and I couldn't read as well as the other kids in class,” she added sadly. “I just thought I wasn't intelligent.”
Rachel then went on to share details about her diagnosis. She has inattentive ADHD, a disorder that causes problems with concentration and organization. Understandably, that would make formal education difficult. Rachel spent her childhood and adolescence feeling “stupid” because of this and only got her diagnosis in college.
“I realized that I had been living with an invisible disability my whole life,” she said. “Once I was diagnosed, I was able to take control of my life a little bit more and to get the accommodations that I needed for me to succeed in school. That truly was life-changing for me.”
Rachel Leviss On Taking Care Of Her Mental Health
Last year, Rachel Leviss was famously admitted into a mental health facility in Arizona, shortly after her affair with Tom Sandoval was discovered and caused a scandal. Having hurt Ariana Madix so badly was a wake-up call, and she realized she needed help.
“I have sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships. I am taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices,” she said in a statement back in March.
'Vanderpump Rules' fans are not happy with Rachel Leviss' decision to change her name, and it makes sense.
Despite this, Rachel made it clear she wasn't trying to use her mental health as a justification for her actions, and she knew getting involved with Tom was wrong in every way.
“I want to apologize for my actions and my choices to Ariana, my friends and the fans so invested in our relationships,” she stated. “There is no excuse, I am not a victim and must own my actions. I deeply regret hurting Ariana.”
Things seem to be looking up for Rachel now, and it seems her time taking care of her mental health helped her get back on track.