‘RHOP’ star Ashley Darby details ‘depression’ during stalled divorce from estranged husband Michael

Ashley Darby is getting real about the emotional ups and downs of her prolonged divorce from her estranged husband, Michael Darby.

In an exclusive interview with Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” the “Real Housewives of Potomac” star, 36, details the “depression” she experienced during her separation from the Australian businessman.

“It’s hard out here, OK? I wish that I could put a time stamp on it that everyone wants me to in relation to this divorce. It is so emotional for me. It’s a point of grieving,” she explains.

Ashley Darby tells Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” about her prolonged divorce from estranged husband Michael Darby. Brian Zak/Page Six The “Real Housewives of Potomac” star says she experienced a “depression” in the wake of her split from the Australian businessman. Ashley Darby / Instagram

“I even went through a little bit of a depression of, like, thinking about where my life is now versus where I thought it was going to be and coming to terms with that.”

Ashley went public with her split from Michael in April 2022, announcing that she and the father of her two sons — Dean, 5, and Dylan, 3 — were parting ways after eight years of marriage. But she didn’t sign divorce papers until June of this year.

“As much as I wanted to just be a bad bitch and be like, ‘Yeah!’ — in actuality, it was still really hurting me,” she tells “Virtual Reali-Tea” of the emotional aftermath.

Ashley announced her separation from Michael in April 2022. Brian Zak/Page Six The exes — who were married for eight years — didn’t sign divorce papers until June. The Washington Post via Getty Images

Ashley teases that she recently took a “very big step” in finalizing her divorce, emphasizing that the development has put her “in a much better place” than when the exes first called it quits.

“I will say that now, I’m in a much better place. I did something very big actually this [month],” she says. “I can’t quite share with you yet, but it was a very big step that I took this week. I shed a tear or two, but I’m feeling good otherwise.”

The GnA co-founder turned to therapy when she felt particularly low after leaving Michael, while also leaning on friends to help lift her spirits.

The couple shares two young sons. ashleyboalchdarby/Instagram The Bravolebrity was briefly connected to “Summer House” hunk Luke Gulbranson after leaving Michael. lukegulbranson/Instagram

“I really relied on my therapist, my friends,” she says, shouting out her good pal Cory in particular.

“My friend Cory, for example, he has this sixth sense and knows when I’m in a down-in-the-dumps place.

“He calls me, takes me out, makes me get dressed up and look pretty and flirt with some boys. And that always makes me feel better.”

Ashley has starred on “RHOP” since its 2016 inception. Phylicia J. L. Munn/Bravo via Getty Images She recently filmed a “Real Housewives” dating series with co-star Gizelle Bryant. Getty Images

The Bravolebrity — who was briefly linked to “Summer House” hunk Luke Gulbranson after separating from Michael — has enjoyed single life, but she is ready for a second shot at love.

Ashley filmed a “Real Housewives” dating series for Peacock earlier this year alongside Gizelle Bryant, Shannon Beador and Luann de Lesseps. A premiere date has yet to be announced.

“The Real Housewives of Potomac” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, with new episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.