Jennie Garth Recalls Shame of Being 'Bad Mom' After Hospitalization

The 90210 star opened up about her struggles after splitting from ex-husband Peter Facinelli.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:39pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass and spilled wine, captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to conceptually represent the personal turmoil behind the glamour of celebrity life.The glitz and darkness of celebrity life collide in the aftermath of Jennie Garth's personal struggles following her divorce.Cleveland Today

Jennie Garth has revealed she turned to benzodiazepines and alcohol to cope after her 2012 split from ex-husband Peter Facinelli. The 54-year-old actress was hospitalized after a dangerous incident involving medication and alcohol, prompting her to seek rehab. Garth reflects on the shame of letting her daughters down and shares her journey in her new memoir, 'I Choose Me'.

Why it matters

Garth's story highlights the challenges celebrities can face when dealing with personal crises and the importance of seeking help. Her openness about her struggles with addiction and mental health can help destigmatize these issues and encourage others to prioritize their well-being.

The details

Garth began taking benzodiazepines and drinking wine at night after her split from Facinelli, saying she 'didn't know how to cope with all the feelings and all the responsibility.' Her depression worsened after Facinelli told her he wanted a divorce, leading Garth to check into a hotel where she drank heavily from the minibar and mixed medication, blacking out and waking up in the hospital. Garth faced 'real shame' over 'letting the girls down and from being a bad mom by letting myself go to that place,' as she 'could have died in that hotel room.'

  • Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli split in 2012.
  • Garth was hospitalized after a dangerous incident involving medication and alcohol following the split.
  • Garth entered Canyon Ranch rehab to learn how to stop self-medicating in harmful ways.
  • Garth's new memoir, 'I Choose Me,' is set to be released on April 14, 2026.

The players

Jennie Garth

A 54-year-old actress best known for her role on the TV series '90210' who struggled with addiction and mental health issues following her split from ex-husband Peter Facinelli.

Peter Facinelli

Jennie Garth's ex-husband who asked for a divorce, leading to Garth's downward spiral.

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What they’re saying

“I just didn't know how to cope with all the feelings and all the responsibility that I suddenly felt. I was broken. I didn't know how to be alone and deal with it all.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“I think this shame really came from letting the girls down and from being a bad mom by letting myself go to that place. I could have died in that hotel room.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

What’s next

Garth's new memoir, 'I Choose Me,' is set to be released on April 14, 2026, where she will further share her journey of recovery and reinvention.

The takeaway

Garth's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking help during difficult times, even for public figures. Her openness about her struggles can help destigmatize addiction and encourage others to prioritize their well-being.