Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Poignant Lesson She Learned About Herself amid Divorce from Jax Taylor (Exclusive)

Brittany Cartwright is learning how to put herself first.

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, The Valley star, 36, opened up about how she's been doing amid her divorce from Jax Taylor and the difficulties she's faced.

"I'm trying," Cartwright admitted. "It's been difficult to share everything, but also I felt like it was so necessary because if I can help any woman leave a toxic relationship, then I am so proud of myself for being able to do that and show that and how there's another side."

When it comes to the important lessons she's learned, the reality star said that the experience has helped her realize "how strong I was, because I never thought I was very strong."

"My confidence is so much better. I lost my sparkle for a long time and I feel like I've really gotten that back," she added.

"I've still got a ways to go. I'm still working on myself, still working on myself always," she said. "But I feel like I realized how strong I actually was and I'm so proud of myself."

Earlier this month, Taylor revealed he was an "addict" and admitted he had "substance abuse issues — primarily with cocaine" that he's been battling "on and off since I was 23" on Bravo's Hot Mic podcast.

After the episode dropped, Cartwright shared an exclusive statement with PEOPLE, where she said she was "glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on."

"For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he's instilled on our family over the years," she wrote. "I've tried desperately to help him without success. I pray that one day he completely knocks this addiction, but I'm skeptical. His behaviors are still alarming and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum."

She continued, "I'm trying to navigate this as best as I can for my son and I, but every day is still a challenge and very difficult. Jax has caused an enormous amount of damage and I have very little trust in him at this point. My only hope is that one day, he will be a better person for his son.”

Nearly six months after Cartwright announced that she and Taylor were "taking time apart," the Kentucky native filed for divorce in August 2024, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

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In September 2024, Cartwright told PEOPLE that she was holding onto "hope" that the couple would work things out during their separation before filing for divorce.

“I think it's been very obvious much I loved him and how hard I tried to work on our relationship,” she explained. “I wanted to make sure I did every single thing I could possibly do to give it a chance and to try for my family, for my son, for my future, but I couldn't do it anymore. I had to put myself first.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.