KJ Dillard reflects on his split Dara Levitan amid mental health issues: 'I was taking out what I was going through on her'

'Summer House' newcomer KJ Dillard opened up about the difficult period that temporarily derailed his relationship with Dara Levitan, revealing that the pair briefly split while he was navigating serious personal struggles. The 28-year-old shared new details about what the couple went through behind the scenes, reflecting on the highs and lows of dating in the public eye.Appearing on the Tuesday, June 2 episode of the 'More Life With Carl Radke' podcast, KJ spoke candidly about his relationship and mental health journey. "A lot of people are supportive, and I'm thankful for them," he said. "But then, a lot of people are hating."'Summer House' viewers watched KJ and Dara, 33, spark a romance during season 10 of the show after being introduced by costar West Wilson. While KJ acknowledged that his relationship with West had since been strained, he said he remained grateful for the introduction.KJ revealed that the relationship hit a rough patch after filming wrapped. "Pre-show, nothing was really going on for me. Modeling was slow. I'd taken a break during the summer to focus on the show," he explained. "Financially, I was in a terrible place. Me and Dara were struggling because I was taking out what I was going through out on her. I wasn't even aware of it." The relationship ultimately came to a temporary end while he was working through those issues.Despite the difficulties, KJ said the couple remained strong. "We do a good job at not letting the public tear us apart. It affects us individually, of course, but the relationship, we both know what we want and what we've gone through together," he said. "It was gnarly. It's, honestly, some love story stuff that we're not gonna let outside influence affect that."The podcast appearance came just weeks after KJ candidly addressed his mental health during part one of the 'Summer House' season 10 reunion, which aired on May 26. During the episode, KJ became emotional while sharing that he had been hospitalised and later diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.KJ told host Andy Cohen that castmates Ciara Miller and Mia Calabrese had supported him through what he described as "some heavy stuff mentally" during that period. He also shared that he spent several months focusing on his recovery, and was now in therapy and taking medication."I got to focus on myself. I needed that," he said. "My whole life, I distracted myself and ran away from my issues instead of facing them head-on."His castmates were quick to rally around him at the reunion, with Jesse Solomon embracing KJ after hearing his story. "I feel for you. I'm glad you're good, because I don't want anyone to go through that," Jesse said. Carl Radke also voiced his support, telling KJ he would "keep doing great stuff."KJ also expressed gratitude toward viewers who responded positively to his openness. "I'm very thankful that the audience is embracing that, because it's my truth," he said. "I'm not gonna not be honest about what I'm going through, especially if it can help others."'Summer House' airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET and streams the following day.