Taylor Armstrong's memoir will be published in February.

Why is "Real Housewife" Taylor Armstrong telling her story now? Because before the suicide of her estranged husband, Russell Armstrong, she feared for her life and her 5-year-old daughter's.

"I wish I would have been able to tell my story before now," Armstrong said in an exclusive statement to ABCNews.com today. "But, until my husband Russell's suicide, I didn't feel safe to tell anyone for fear of my own safety and the safety of my daughter.  With Russell's passing, I now feel safe to bring my story into the light, to help all battered and abused women, and men, and aid them in their struggle."

Armstrong's book, "Hiding from Reality: My Story of Love, Loss and Finding the Courage Within," comes out February 7. She broke down in tears on Monday's Bravo show "Watch What Happens Live," telling host Andy Cohen that she was "a trainwreck" during the most recent episode of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and admitting that at the time the current season was filmed, "I was losing my mind."

"I discussed my book Monday night for the first time on Bravo's 'Watch What Happens Live,' " Armstrong told ABCNews.com. "The overwhelming response from viewers and their outpouring of support has been gratifying.  From the bottom of my heart, I believe if my book can help others find the courage to deal with the pain and fear of their abusive relationships, I will have made a real difference in their lives."