“I’m Glad My Mom Died”

An interview with Jennette McCurdy [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( Presented by [CBDistillery]( IN a nutshell Happy Friday, fam! We’re back with an exclusive Q&A with a celeb who’s been the talk of the internet since her book dropped last month. Scroll down to read our chat with Nickelodeon star, actress, and author of “[I’m Glad My Mom Died](” Jennette McCurdy. Here’s what we’re sending your way today: • [a candid chat with Jennette McCurdy]( • [lavender epsom salt]( • [the link between forgiveness and longevity]( • [more health stories you need]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota August 24, 2022 • 6 min read [Jennette McCurdy]( If a record scratch manifested as a book title, it would probably be “[I’m Glad My Mom Died](” — and actress [Jennette McCurdy]( knows it. You might remember her from Nickelodeon shows “iCarly” or “Sam & Cat.” If not, you’ve probably seen the hype surrounding her tell-all memoir that hit shelves in August. In it, she discusses life as a child star and the complicated relationship she had with her abusive mother. Below, Healthline’s Gabe Howard chats with McCurdy about her healing journey and how you can heal, too, no matter what you’ve been through. ([Listen to the full interview here](.) Q: I immediately realized upon seeing the title of your book that there’s just no way around it. The first question I’m going to ask is: Are you really glad your mom died? A: I am. I was aware, of course, when I went with that title that it’s attention-grabbing and provocative (as intended). But also it’s something that I would never say flippantly. I mean it sincerely, and I think I earn it not only in the writing of the book but in the life that I lived to get to that perspective … It was really important to me, not only for myself but also for anybody else who’s experienced [parental abuse](, to just say the truth and not sugarcoat it. People deserve more honesty. Q: In reading your book, it’s apparent that your mom was manipulative and abusive. My question is, if you had the power to, is there a single interaction with your mom that you would like to undo or change? A: I think everything that I went through only made me a stronger person, and a more full person, and a more empowered person. So ultimately, I am [grateful for everything](. I think that it led me to where I am now and I’m able to express and explore everything that happened in a very creative way, in a way that’s fulfilling to me. I’m able to write, I’m able to direct. And I don’t think I would be nearly as creatively expressive if these things didn’t happen to me. So I’m glad that it put me on the path that I’m on now. Q: How long did it take you to realize from the time that your mother died until you noticed that you felt better? A: I quit [therapy]( initially when my first therapist had suggested that my [mother was abusive](. I couldn’t tolerate that information. I was in no way ready to accept that reality. And it was several years before I was able to recommit myself to therapy and really face the reality of my past and come to terms with it, including that I was glad that my mom died. [Jennette McCurdy] Q: Do you have any suggestions or maybe even just thoughtful advice for folks that are thinking: How? How were you able to do that? A: Absolutely. I appreciate that question. Boundaries are huge for me. I think implementing both personal boundaries and [boundaries toward every relationship]( in my life. Understanding emotionally, physically, environmentally, and mentally what I need and understanding how to take care of those needs for myself has been hugely helpful. So, I hope people consider boundaries in a deep way. Also, I think [self-respect]( … regardless of what your path is, what your path has been, it has been that and you’re now in the present. Focus on yourself now and on moving forward, and keep your head held high because you deserve dignity and respect. You deserve to have dignity and respect for yourself. Q: After your mother passed, this external force was no longer pushing down on you. Was it difficult to make your own way? And how did you do it? A: It happened through creativity for me. Of course, therapy was a huge factor in discovering myself, but creativity has been probably the leading force for me. I’ve written and directed five short films. I hope to direct again soon. I have several feature scripts that I’ve written recently. I’m working on a novel and a collection of essays. All of these forms of [creative expression]( are ways of finding healing and catharsis and also making good work, which is very much at the top of my priorities. I think it’s a nice way of exploring a lot that’s going on in your subconscious through whatever medium is most exciting to you. Interested in Jennette McCurdy’s book? [Order it here](. great finds Products we love [Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution, Soothe & Sleep, Lavender]( [Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution, Soothe & Sleep, Lavender]( [Epsom salt]( can offer a ton of health benefits. The magnesium boost can help promote sleep and stress reduction, exercise recovery, and even constipation relief. [Lavender]( has been used to relieve anxiety, headaches, and other symptoms since ancient times, too. Love the smell of lavender and need some R&R this weekend? Throw some of this epsom salt in your tub and relax in a bath with a good book! [Shop now]( Presented by [CBDistillery]( [Full Spectrum CBD Gummies]( CBDistillery’s CBD Gummies contain 100% clean ingredients and are designed to support your body and mind for optimal health and wellness.* [SHOP NOW]( *Based on results from 2021 & 2022 studies with MoreBetter. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. [Forgiveness]( Weird Science Forgive to live a healthier life Let’s face it, some situations aren’t worthy of ~forgiving and forgetting~, but YOU deserve peace of mind and a healthy life. According to [Johns Hopkins Medicine](, practicing forgiveness has the potential to do just that. Research suggests that actively choosing to deeply forgive people (including yourself) can boost your emotional and physical health over time. For example, it can lower heart attack risk, improve sleep, reduce pain, relieve stress, and so much more. If forgiveness doesn’t come naturally to you, you’re not alone. The good news: You can [learn to be more forgiving](. So if you’ve been known to hold a grudge or 12, consider integrating this practice into your life. It might just depend on it. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] [How is chronic fatigue syndrome treated?]( There could be a million reasons why you’re feeling sleepy lately. But if you live with chronic fatigue syndrome, here’s how you can treat it. [Do fitness influencers deserve your trust?]( That super fit exercise guru on Instagram looks trustworthy, but are they really? Ask yourself these questions to assess whether they’re legit. [How to cope with a friend breakup.]( Breaking up with a friend can be just as painful as breaking up with a romantic partner. Let’s talk about ways to feel better after ending a friendship. Thanks for reading! We’d love to hear what you think of today’s newsletter. Email us at wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your thoughts. Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you on Monday! Did you enjoy this interview? Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! 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