Jennie Garth Says 2 Head Injuries from the ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Set May Have Led to Long-Term Damage

**Jennie Garth Reflects on Past Trauma in New Memoir**

Jennie Garth, renowned for her role as Kelly Taylor in the iconic television series *Beverly Hills, 90210*, has taken a brave step by candidly addressing her health struggles in her new memoir, *I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention*. The 54-year-old actress, who portrayed the beloved character from 1990 to 2000, has revealed how her experiences on set may have had lasting effects on her mental and physical well-being.

In her memoir, Garth shares her ongoing battle with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which she has dealt with since her teenage years. “I was diagnosed with clinical depression at age 18, and I’ve been under a doctor’s care ever since,” she writes, highlighting her reliance on antidepressant medication for much of her adult life. This openness aims to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.

Garth’s journey to understand the root of her struggles led her to undergo a SPECT scan of her brain, which uncovered potential links between her previous head injuries and her current mental health symptoms. The actress recalled two significant incidents from her time on *90210*, where she suffered notable head trauma. During one memorable moment, Garth was struck by a jet ski driven by co-star Luke Perry while filming a scene.

Reflecting on that day, Garth recounted, “We were in the ocean filming and then they took the jet skis. They said, ‘Get on these and go into the shore for lunch,’ right? So, we got on the back of the jet skis…” She went on to explain how Perry, wanting to drive his own jet ski, inadvertently injured her. While the encounter did not cause severe damage, it propelled Garth to consider its potential long-term impacts on her health.

Another incident involved a hefty tripod-mounted light that fell on her head during shooting. “Accidents happen on sets; there wasn’t any wrongdoing,” she wrote in her memoir, reflecting on the nature of working in the entertainment industry. Despite the absence of negligence, Garth believes these experiences may have significantly influenced her mental health.

The actress’s revelations come at a time when discussions about mental health continue to gain prominence, particularly within the entertainment industry. Garth’s decision to share her story adds a vital voice to this ongoing conversation, demonstrating how past experiences can echo through time, affecting one’s quality of life in unexpected ways.

Garth has also previously addressed her jet ski accident during her appearance at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut. Her stories, infused with a blend of humour and vulnerability, reflect her resilience and commitment to confronting her past. As she noted with a sense of irony, her friends even joked about her misunderstanding of Perry’s warning to “duck,” with commentary suggesting that she might have thought there was an actual duck present.

Now, Garth’s memoir stands as a testament to self-discovery and healing. Through her candid exploration of personal trauma and the journey to reinvention, she hopes to empower others battling similar mental health issues to pursue joy and purpose in their lives.

*I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention* is now available for purchase in bookstores and online, marking a significant chapter in Garth’s ongoing journey of self-acceptance and recovery. With her vulnerability and honesty, Garth continues to captivate audiences beyond her acting career, reminding many that it is never too late to seek help and pursue a life filled with joy and purpose.