Reality TV star dies days after posting about ‘anxiety and depression’

• Seiter was seen on Kaitlyn Bristowe season of the ABC series in 2015
• The Chicago native has been outspoken about his mental health issues
• Setter’s family said his “courageous voice and indomitable spirit have helped thousands of people in their darkest moments feel a little less alone.”

Bachelorette personality Josh Setter has died at the age of 36, days after he spoke about his mental health struggles on social media.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the tragic news of Joshua’s unexpected passing,” his family said in a statement. “As all who knew him can attest, Joshua was an incredibly bright light in a world that was getting darker.”

Setter’s family said his “courageous voice and indomitable spirit have helped thousands of people in their darkest moments feel a little less alone.”

“Although the pain of our hearts at Joshua’s death hurts us beyond measure, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace.”

Seiter was seen on the ABC series in 2015, with Kaitlyn Bristowe as the main character, and was eliminated in the show’s first week.

The reality TV personality’s family has not indicated the cause of his death, stating that “anyone experiencing a mental health crisis” should call the 988 hotline (or chat) 988lifeline.org).

according to the sunSeater was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 14, 1987.

He received his BA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Seiter has been outspoken about living with mental health issues in front of his 456k followers on Instagram.

“Overcoming depression and anxiety day in and day out with a smile,” he said in his latest post on Thursday.

In a July 2021 post, pinned to the top of his page, Setter wrote: “I am Josh Setter, and I am a survivor of a suicide attempt.” I’m battling OCD, bipolar depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but I refuse to give up. What did I survive?

Setter was reflecting on a July 22 social media post in which he said he battled “feelings of worthlessness on a daily basis” and detailed the issues that bothered him.

“Some of my biggest fears revolve around getting the approval of others,” he said. “You see, at heart I am a people-pleaser. I am constantly trying to win the approval of others.

He speculates on the root causes of his feeling this way, citing his home-raising and education, and noting that he “didn’t have many friends” growing up.

He said: Why? It doesn’t matter as much as “how?” How will we stop tying our self-worth to the acceptance of others?

“The answer to this question only came after I was open and honest with the world about my struggles with mental health. It is getting better.

Two days ago, Setter wrote a sweet and encouraging message for people struggling with their mental health.

“I want to tell anyone struggling right now that I am proud of you. I am proud of you for wearing your socks,” he wrote. “I am proud of you for tying your boots.” I am proud of you for stepping out of the house when it seemed like an insurmountable task in a Sisyphean struggle not his end.

“I want you to know it’s getting better.” I know because I’ve been there. I want you to know that you matter. Your life matters.

As the news of his death spread, a number of his fans and followers posted condolences on his Instagram posts.

One said, “This is tragic.” Thanks Josh for being so open and honest. I hope you are at peace. My condolences to his family and friends.

Another said: “Rest in peace, handsome man,” while another echoed: “Beautiful man.” May he rest in peace.’

If you or someone close to you needs mental health assistance, please text “STRENGTH” to the text crisis line at 741-741. To access the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988.