In a candid chapter of her memoir, I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose & Embracing Reinvention, Jennie Garth—known to millions as Kelly from Beverly Hills, 90210—shares a raw, heartbreaking moment from her 2017 divorce from husband Dave Abrams. The actress reveals how the pain of a failing marriage pushed her into a dangerous cycle of self‑harm, and how her 28‑year‑old daughter, Luca, witnessed the aftermath. Garth’s story is a stark reminder that even public figures can face private battles, and it underscores the importance of seeking help when emotions spiral out of control.
From Hollywood Fame to Personal Turmoil
Jennie Garth’s journey began on the set of 90210, where she became a household name. After the show ended, she married musician Daniel B. Clark in 1994, but the marriage lasted only two years. She later wed actor Peter Facinelli in 2012, and the couple had three daughters together—Luca, the eldest, followed by twins. In 2015, Garth and her then‑husband Dave Abrams exchanged vows, hoping to build a new family. However, the couple’s dream of parenthood was fraught with challenges. They endured a grueling IVF process that stretched over several years, culminating in a painful realization that they could not conceive.
By 2017, the strain of infertility, coupled with the emotional toll of a long‑term relationship, began to erode the foundation of their marriage. Garth’s memoir details how the couple’s communication broke down, leading to a period of separation. In 2018, Abrams filed for divorce, but the pair reconciled in 2019, hoping to salvage what remained of their partnership. Yet, the underlying issues persisted, and the couple eventually decided to move forward without children, a choice that was “really, really hard” for both of them, according to Garth.
The Darkest Moment: Self‑Harm in the Midst of Divorce
During the height of her marital crisis, Garth admits that she turned to alcohol and self‑harm as a means of coping. In a particularly harrowing passage, she describes how she shattered framed photographs of herself and Abrams, using the shards of glass to slash her own skin. The act was described as “almost unconscious” and a form of self‑punishment. Garth’s daughter, Luca, walked in on the scene and immediately began cleaning up the mess—both literally and figuratively. The memory of that night haunts Garth to this day, and she expresses deep regret for exposing her daughter to such a traumatic moment.
“I was terrified that I had caused irreparable damage to my relationship with my daughter,” Garth writes. She acknowledges that the incident was a turning point, forcing her to confront the destructive patterns that had taken hold of her life. The experience also served as a catalyst for her eventual decision to seek professional help and to prioritize her mental well‑being.
Rebuilding After the Break
Following the divorce, Garth embarked on a journey of self‑discovery and healing. She began therapy, joined support groups, and adopted healthier coping mechanisms. In her memoir, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one’s pain and seeking help before it escalates into self‑harm. Garth also highlights the role of her family—especially her daughters—in providing a support network that helped her navigate the aftermath of the divorce.
In addition to her personal growth, Garth has become an advocate for mental health awareness. She encourages readers to reach out for help when they feel overwhelmed, reminding them that crisis hot
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