The star of “American Beauty” and “American Pie” discusses the physical and emotional abuse she survived, her struggle with drugs and her hopeful future in her new book, “The Great Peace.”
I went to school with her in like 7th grade. She was so much fun. We had a fun time. She wrote in my yearbook "keep this, someday I'll be famous." Glad shes doing better.
This reporter has a way with her. Kind, listening, non-judgmental. Wow, she really has a heart! Beautiful to see one woman cover another with such grace!
Yes please! I was abused my entire childhood and I suffer today as an adult with mental illness as a result. Please do not let anyone go through that. Speak up for those children! My family saw it happening and made a bunch of threats but in the end did nothing to help.
A part of you does die. You realize that life isn't as innocent as you thought. I've been through 13 years of talk based therapies, then have done an intensive in EMDR. It's significantly helped to return some sense of 'innocence' and has taken away triggers but I will never be look at any human again in the same way. Memories are always there, even when not intrusive. I at times feel more sad for my younger self now than I did then, sometimes it takes longer for the feeling to set in, but almost always you have that feeling.
From age 7 I would tuck all the blankets tightly around me, clutch my little dog and a stuffed animal to me, and eventually fall asleep listening intently to every sound in the hallway and watching the door, praying over and over to God that I would not wake up again. I don't ever want to know what else happened to me. What I remember is awful enough. Whatever else it was had already made me silent, withdrawn, and damaged so that even at age 58 it profoundly effects me often when I least expect it.
People wondering why they say "lost their virginity against their will" instead of rape. It is actually very difficult to use that word when you've been through it.
You are so right. I went from calling it "an issue with consent" to "sexual assault," and through therapy I was finally able to say the word rape, because that's exactly what it was. I already knew deep down, but I guess I needed someone to ... I don't really know.
@@spriggy4382 incorrect. I've been on a journey myself and a lot of the healing was done before I felt able to use that word without shame. There's no rulebook for healing; it is a journey with lots of layers unique to each person. Phrases like that come from books, and for some people it rings true, but is not the case for everyone.
I feel this so deeply. And I feel conflicted because sometimes when people ask what happened to me I want to just use the word, but then I also don’t want to stress them out. But I think all the tiptoeing really does a disservice to the reality of what it does to women.
Sorry to hear what you all have been through. I think children should be taught to talk about sexual abuse, there should be no stigma and more encouragement, because a child is left all alone with their trauma which often never heals on its own.
It took me years to realize that once you are assaulted, sometimes afterwards, you give in during situations and do things that you didn't want to do, because you don't want to have that fear of saying no, and that not being respected... fear that you lose a fight, avoiding dealing with that panic inside. Instead, giving in and trying to convince yourself the entire time that it is ok. I look back and cringe. I desperately never want my kids to ever feel that way.
Blah blah blah. No one cared when I was sexually assaulted. No one cared when I was profiled and discriminated against for years due to my sexuality. I don’t care about anyone else’s pain anymore. Call me heartless but thats how the world is. You have to fake it to make it. Therapy doesn’t work. Its the biggest scam in the history of medicine to treat someone’s panic, anxiety and trauma with pills and talk.
Teach your children what to look out for. Share any relevant personal stories (yours or those of others you know) in age appropriate manner. Teach them not to be the victim nor the perpetrator of said crimes. Make sure they know they can come to you to discuss anything. Don’t shy away from the topic and you’re children will hopefully never experience this. Sending you love
They should, but she must first identify who that person is. And if it is another 12 year old, the government is likely to walk away. So if she doesn't say who it is, then it doesn't make any difference. But you are correct.
@@dieterrosswag933 don't joke about things like suicide. She is selling books instead of posting free in the net because she wants to monetize herself. Her career is kaput. We can stand in judgment of whether or not that is respectable human behavior, but that is the reason.
@@dieterrosswag933 Well, why work a job if people pay money to hear her life's story (whether it is true or false?) If people could pay me for my words, I wouldn't work either.
Often when a woman hits 40 or thereabouts, she learns to not give a damn about other people's opinions and societal expectations. It's incredibly freeing. I wish we could learn it long before 40 though.
Sex which is one of the most beautiful creation ever made became so vicious, so evil, so dark. What’s supposed to bring pleasure brings pain instead. Too many sexual abuse. It’s a world disease. Another pandemic.
There were two actresses that sort of went MIA at the height of their careers. One was Mena. You never saw her in too many roles; or at least in anything big. Maybe this is why. The other was Mira Sorvino, who was blacklisted by Harvey Weinstein because she resisted his sexual advances. Both are amazing actresses.
I feel like brittany snow might also be on that list. She did the pitch perfect series, but back in the early 00s it seemed like she was going to be much bigger than she ended up being
@@Lookinmyeyesitsover I just checked IMDB and Britney Snow has been in about 6 films since Pitch Perfect, including a series on TV…. I noticed none of the shows were big box office hits though.
I used to idolize her back in the day, I used to think she so so beautiful. I wished I could be in her shoes. Now hearing this... it’s absolutely heartbreaking. Just goes to show, what you see on the outside with people isn’t always what it seems.
Same, as a millennial girl, you'd see the likes of Britney and actresses like these portraying idealized teen lives and I always felt than that because my parents were broke and my hair was not naturally straight and blonde enough, my nose was too big. Little did we know the horror behind the scenes.
I always thought I should've been an actress, that it was like the dream profession, not anymore! The number of people in the entertainment industry who have their souls destroyed for a shot at making it big is incredible, the fact that all of this is coming to light is very positive not only for the ones who went through it, it helps to realize that stardom is a product that has been paraded out to the world with a shiny package but reality is you putting yourself in a very vulnerable unsafe position.
It's actually much better than it use to be. The actor's union gelped with that (sag) Judy garland was abused, made to take drugs, nose jobs. . . . Many actors before the 70s died broke as they were taken advantage of financially and/or never well paid. And mead isn't say it was Hollywood that led to her abuse. she had issues going on in her life long before is what she is saying.
“ who have their souls destroyed for a shot at making it big is incredible” That’s part of the whole trap for most of these celebrities. They trade their souls for money and fame
My existence was all about getting to California to work in movies. I believed I was destined and it's all I lived. I had so many obstacles and slowly I started to detest the celebrity fame crap. Iam old now,and iam glad I never got to California .as a matter of fact I'm grateful fate intervened and that chapter is closed. I love movies ,the front and back of it all.I believe now,I would've fallen apart and God knows what could've happened to me. I live a simple life,I love reading and writing and grateful that dream never came true.I love real folks,the real day to day of living and working and I have found some kind of peace. My health needs to be better and I'm dedicating time to be healthy.
@@teresaferrer4748 thank you for sharing your experience, I have also become more appreciative of simple things in live as I have gotten older, even older movies when it was more about emotions than special effects.
@JillBates is it SO hard for them to use that "dirty" word? Just another way of belittling the violent acts perpetrated by men against women! The media is laughable.
The thing is everyone has a sad story, trails, struggles it is simply a part of life. I think the real issue for everyone is no one talks about it. We hold it in and try to appear "normal". We feed to so many that perfection is normal and that is a lie. Everyone going through the ups and downs of life is normal. Sometimes we need help and are unable to process trails on our own and that is normal. We need to stop normalizing perfection because people are literally destroying themselves to achieve it.
Agreed. But for some people the effects are amplified by a level of fragility or susceptibility that overwhelms. Drugs and alcohol are often the first place people turn to ease the pain that comes with the shame of never being good enough. Complex PTSD is a vile and pernicious assault on humanity and the American healthcare system, coupled with a ridiculously judgmental society, really leaves sufferers vulnerable. Did you know that 95% of Americans who commit suicide have been diagnosed with a mental illness? That means 95% had the courage to reach out, but did not get the kind of help they needed in time. Healthcare is not set up to make people well, it’s set up to create an income stream for investors.
Please. she is more privilege than most women IN THE PLANET. she is no victim. She wants attention. You should go to other countries and see real world suffering.
As a victim of sexual assaults, I can relate so much, I’ve always found it hard to explain but Mena has explained it perfectly. Thank you, you are so brave for speaking out 🙏🏻
This is the kind of woman that all little girls should aspire to become, a woman of substance who through trials and difficulties has found her beautiful, true authentic self. Best wishes Mena.
It's heartbreaking to know that while she was giving us happiness through her films, she was suffering deeply. I always admired her, and still do, maybe now more so. Now that she's happier, I'd love to see her back on the screen.
She is incredible. Her story brought me to tears. I am thankful to her for sharing her story and for giving a voice to many that feel completely silenced.
With the proper support circle(family, friends, therapist…), taking time away for proper mental, emotional and spiritual healing and removing yourself from certain people, places and things…step by step, you can be okay and have okay days. Life isn’t perfect and you could have crappy days, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be in a better space.
you really never know people's story and what they are facing. I'm so glad that she is in a better space and place in her life. Congrats on her marriage and little bundle of joy:-). I pray her all the best on her continual healing and thriving in life. Keep soaring and keep God first. God's love and blessings!!!
Good on her! 👏 No longer surprised when I discover the hidden abuse of vulnerable children and young adults in the entertainment industry 😔 The more awareness thd better.
She is so amazing for coming out and telling her story! Not only is she helping others by sharing her story, she's also helping to erase the societal stigmas that come with addiction and mental illness. 💛💛💛
Dear whoever is reading this, I wish there was a way for everyone to surpass the current obstacles or sadness/ stress and let happiness enter your heart! i truly sense and know you will have a beautiful life ahead of you! Nothing in life is ever easy, but what's important is that YOU keep going! Youre worthy of love and happiness, never allow anyone to tell you otherwise! I wish all of you plenty of health and strength during these tough times. You are loved, you are strong, you got this! Never forget that! Sending much Love over from Germany 💕🙏✨
That's true. It happened to me at a very young age. I felt like I had no right to say no after that. I found myself in compromising situations I had no reason or right to be in. This interview is touching on so many levels. You never know what another person went through or is going through!
What a beautiful, protective, and brave momma! Way to go, Woman! Hoping her sharing her strength now can empower young people currently dealing with this in struggle or in crisis. I volunteer for suicide prevention. There are so many more young people facing this and since the pandemic than ever before. Her hard work with this book is much needed. I’ll share the resource. Thank her for doing it, please, on their behalf for me. Very much obliged.
It’s often one sentence from a friend that can “wake us up” to hope. Please tell your friends they don’t deserve to live with pain and they can reclaim their lives. Thank you for this.
I was just thinking about her a few days ago! I wondered what happened to Mena Suvari! This is wonderful to hear and to know that she’s doing so much better and now has a family.
@Rufus Lloyd american beauty and American horror story: murder house and apocalypse are two others i can name lol. Both AHS and American beauty are very popular i assure you many people know and like mena
@Rufus Lloyd Riiiight...Wow, imagine if there was something like a search engine where it would take you 3 seconds to check what other movies she was in 🤔.
She’s such a strong woman who has overcome so many obstacles, I am sorry for what she has gone through and I can 100% relate but I have so much respect for her!
These comments made me so sad. There are so many victims sharing their stories, it's insane how common that is. I was 14 when it happened to me. I wish this would stop. Thank you for everyone that opened up and shared their stories, you matter and we hear you.
Me too! It happened at 15 too. Damaged me for many years and I still get triggered at times even though I feel I have healed from it all. Trauma really never goes away.
A story of triumph from a very strong woman. Mad respect. And rage against the people who abused and would ever cause her harm. I’m happy for her she’s in a good place right now. Wish her all the best!
I cried when I saw this. It resonates so strongly with me. I need to read her book as a lot of stuff Mena went through happened to me. Ok I’m spinning out here as I love her movies and her as a person knowing this even more. I live in Australia and born here by migrant parents from Greece back in the 60s. Born in 72 I’m now 51yo. Seeing this is again a trigger for people like myself as it has topics that happened to me and still battling with. Mena is right about it as it never ever leaves you. I have anxiety panic attacks and have become a reclusive person as when I go out to grocery shopping medical apts I encounter triggers. Even where I live near a nature reserve there are 4 homes between mine and the reserve which has a creek and opposite is a Muslim school it’s pretty big on a big plot. Everyday the recess bell and the loudspeaker talk is a trigger. Seeing small kids with family at a grocery store is a trigger. I tend to go late at night or when I run out 2-3 weeks I won’t leave my house. I live in fear and the fear is a drug relapse of meth. I’ve battled it since mid 20s. I have untreated childhood trauma. Ontop I have CRPS and a spinal disability. And it’s like fml every other day. When I was under 10yo I was sexually abused by my grandmother my Dads Mom. I have held all of it in for 40 years. I’ve done drugs and alcohol since mid high school and for the last 25 years it’s been a battle with meth. I also have an opiod addiction that is a script for my chronic pain. Meth use slowly became more use in my reclusive state and even this day I still use it as a coping mechanism. What meth did about a decade ago is slowly unlock unravel the truth about the childhood abuse. I confronted my folks and my dad laughed it off and said that’s how grandma showed her affection! I was gobsmacked! My mum was the opposite and she told me back then in the 70s her sister in law actually caught her doing it to her youngest son. Now it’s caused a chasm a void between my myself and my Dad. There is no closeness. There really wasn’t growing up finding my sexuality as gay was so freakin hard I wanted to commit suicide so many times. I was so alone and my support network was beginning to turn on me and shun me. When I came out in 96 my dad blamed my mum saying see what type of son you raised! 😢wt AF! My mum was balling her eyes out. My grandma used to restrict my movement by holding my arms and sexually molested me. She would also lock me in a closet which now I have developed growing up claustrophobia. I feel like I’m not worth my family support and they never ever want to talk about anything and brush things off. I get scripts for Valium and think sometimes ending my pain with 50 tabs in a nice warm bath. I’ve done it before when I had a housemate and I was dragged out of the water my head half submerged. He saved me coz he knocked on the bathroom door and when I didn’t answer he broke it down as I locked it. There’s so much more that happened that is so detailed it makes me cry to even think about it all. basically police another suicide attempt court dramas meeting drug dealers houses sex parties out of control Shiz ppl got bashed i think sometimes looking back is this a film? wtf all these things happening to myself. Last 8 years I was almost forced into a mental ward saw psychiatrist anti depressants anti psychotics drinking alcohol with meds I was taking 9 diff meds a day was on Suboxone and OD three times saw a Psychologist too my life was spiralling down and all this time meth was prevalent. Still Is and I want rehab but it’s hard to get into and private is so exxy. Mena is right in many things and I resonate with it. When I was 12yo I was suicidal wanted to shoot myself in the head. What happened in high school from 11-16yo 3 male married kids were my pedophiles plus one woman and the principal hushed it all up. The school no longer is there it got shut down and I think there was a pedo ring running out of it. I was an effeminate kid and got bullied daily. At camp something bad happened and I still have many flashbacks. there’s a lot more I was bashed by 3 males walking back home after school and they said you didn’t see anything you don’t say anything. I was stalked and almost kidnapped. They even poisoned my home my safe place. When my folks were away there was an older kid saying sexual stuff and showing me his erection and stuff. I kept seeing male pornography in the mailbox and accross the road a car parked with a teacher grinning at me. Have to leave it there as I don’t want to go further details about suicide when I was 11-16yo was the worst time. Now I need justice closure it’s heading to Supreme Court there’s more details but enough for now and I might get media attention. Mena is 100% right we need to speak up about it and talk more not be kept silent. That’s why I broke my silence of 40years. I’ve had enough of the weight it was was killing me slowly. 🙏🏼💗to you from Australia John
I'm the same age as her. I remember her from those iconic movies. Happy to see she made positive changes!! I too suffered from substance abuse for years but I'm sober now and getting better. One very important thing that most people don't realize is that nobody choose/wishes to be a user. I (and I think her too) didn't do this for fun but to escape the overwhelming pain of my reality. Drugs and alcohol seem at first to take the edge off but before you know it they got a firm hold on you and it's more than difficult to free yourself from them. Learn from her and let her inspire you!!!👍❤🌷
Bless her brave heart for sharing her painful story. It's ground breaking & life changing for others who've had similar experiences. She's helping so many people by being so brave & open. There is life beyond such deep pain & trauma. ❤
I’ve always liked Mena Suvari and didn’t see her much more on-screen after American Beauty. Maybe this explajns why. Happy to see she’s in a better place and has love/support now. Side note: Watching this footage, I feel like I’m looking at a younger Beverley D’Angelo.
Omg will she ever age?!?! Gosh she is even more beautiful than I remember! Wow thanks for sharing your journey Mena! It will help so many people know that they're not alone in that particular suffering. And omg your husband is total eye candy and omg a BABY?!?!? Congratulations on this new journey and they better put you back on the screen!
The worldwide human rights laws really have to improve and all governments have to be forced to apply them, not in 50 years, now. It always happens right in front of us, right under our noses. But how, if even UN soldiers/employees go around the world r*ping vulnerable girls in places where they're supposed to help and then refusing to pay any child support for their child on top of that.
Sad that she didn’t have a close friend she could confide in & share this with. I’ve always been blessed with a few close friends that have helped me get through some pretty terrible things. And then later I found group therapy which also helped ( my mom was an abusive narcissistic alcoholic) so yeah. My heart goes out to her. Hope she is able to heal & become happy & lead a healthy life. ❤️
What a beautiful soul❤❤❤ i am completely taken back by her energy and her story, amazing💞 such a beautiful thing to see her on a heart based level, people forget that stars are people with thoughts, feelings, and their own struggles.
I went to school with her in like 7th grade. She was so much fun. We had a fun time. She wrote in my yearbook "keep this, someday I'll be famous."
Glad shes doing better.
Pictures or it didn’t happen
@@aurasoular6804 oh, ok.
@@nicolekatherine3870 are you still in touch with her?
@@officerfriendly1230 nope. Havent been for years.
Can you not type the way you talk...like stfu..
This reporter has a way with her. Kind, listening, non-judgmental. Wow, she really has a heart! Beautiful to see one woman cover another with such grace!
Yes, she's a good listener. Which modern reporters should be.
Yeah, some reporters are too pushy and interrupt but not this one 🙏 😔
Diane Sawyer could never.
Juju Chang
Holding her hand to her chest says it all
Protect children, protect the aging, protect all.
Amen
True prime directives if I have ever heard them.
Protect animals too. Truth!
Protect the vulnerable. Shame and prosecute the predators.
Yes please! I was abused my entire childhood and I suffer today as an adult with mental illness as a result. Please do not let anyone go through that. Speak up for those children! My family saw it happening and made a bunch of threats but in the end did nothing to help.
"A part of me died that day." God, I can't believe since the age of 12 she's felt that way. I'm glad she is opening up.
I felt that way at 5 1/2. Still do. But I have finally started counseling to start making it up to myself.
Sad part… It’s something many of us say when we’ve gone through it… and 10years later for me… It still doesn’t go away…
A part of you does die. You realize that life isn't as innocent as you thought. I've been through 13 years of talk based therapies, then have done an intensive in EMDR. It's significantly helped to return some sense of 'innocence' and has taken away triggers but I will never be look at any human again in the same way. Memories are always there, even when not intrusive. I at times feel more sad for my younger self now than I did then, sometimes it takes longer for the feeling to set in, but almost always you have that feeling.
From age 7 I would tuck all the blankets tightly around me, clutch my little dog and a stuffed animal to me, and eventually fall asleep listening intently to every sound in the hallway and watching the door, praying over and over to God that I would not wake up again. I don't ever want to know what else happened to me. What I remember is awful enough. Whatever else it was had already made me silent, withdrawn, and damaged so that even at age 58 it profoundly effects me often when I least expect it.
@@SheilaLS 💔😭🙏💜💛💜🧸🌸🦋
People wondering why they say "lost their virginity against their will" instead of rape. It is actually very difficult to use that word when you've been through it.
You are so right. I went from calling it "an issue with consent" to "sexual assault," and through therapy I was finally able to say the word rape, because that's exactly what it was. I already knew deep down, but I guess I needed someone to ... I don't really know.
Yes, we're aware. You can't heal what you won't admit.
@@spriggy4382 incorrect. I've been on a journey myself and a lot of the healing was done before I felt able to use that word without shame. There's no rulebook for healing; it is a journey with lots of layers unique to each person. Phrases like that come from books, and for some people it rings true, but is not the case for everyone.
I feel this so deeply. And I feel conflicted because sometimes when people ask what happened to me I want to just use the word, but then I also don’t want to stress them out. But I think all the tiptoeing really does a disservice to the reality of what it does to women.
Sorry to hear what you all have been through. I think children should be taught to talk about sexual abuse, there should be no stigma and more encouragement, because a child is left all alone with their trauma which often never heals on its own.
It took me years to realize that once you are assaulted, sometimes afterwards, you give in during situations and do things that you didn't want to do, because you don't want to have that fear of saying no, and that not being respected... fear that you lose a fight, avoiding dealing with that panic inside. Instead, giving in and trying to convince yourself the entire time that it is ok. I look back and cringe. I desperately never want my kids to ever feel that way.
😥
Blah blah blah. No one cared when I was sexually assaulted. No one cared when I was profiled and discriminated against for years due to my sexuality. I don’t care about anyone else’s pain anymore. Call me heartless but thats how the world is. You have to fake it to make it. Therapy doesn’t work. Its the biggest scam in the history of medicine to treat someone’s panic, anxiety and trauma with pills and talk.
@@byefelicia8632 troll.
Yep
Teach your children what to look out for. Share any relevant personal stories (yours or those of others you know) in age appropriate manner. Teach them not to be the victim nor the perpetrator of said crimes. Make sure they know they can come to you to discuss anything. Don’t shy away from the topic and you’re children will hopefully never experience this. Sending you love
Whoever abused her at 12 should be prosecuted.
Worse...
They should, but she must first identify who that person is. And if it is another 12 year old, the government is likely to walk away. So if she doesn't say who it is, then it doesn't make any difference. But you are correct.
@@dieterrosswag933 don't joke about things like suicide. She is selling books instead of posting free in the net because she wants to monetize herself. Her career is kaput. We can stand in judgment of whether or not that is respectable human behavior, but that is the reason.
@@dieterrosswag933 Well, why work a job if people pay money to hear her life's story (whether it is true or false?) If people could pay me for my words, I wouldn't work either.
@@dieterrosswag933 From this situation?
Good for her. I'm seeing so many women turn 40 and absolutely blossom. It's an amazing thing to watch. 💝
Often when a woman hits 40 or thereabouts, she learns to not give a damn about other people's opinions and societal expectations. It's incredibly freeing. I wish we could learn it long before 40 though.
@@stoptellingmetolikecomment1624 Yes! And I really wish we could too. 💝
Beautiful comment
that’s really beautiful 💗
Absolutely ,it's like you get reborn 💜
"A part of me died" - this I have noticed over and over in survivors of sexual assault - the damage is lifelong.
It's really true, too. Every trauma took a piece of me forever.
It’s soul murder.
@@MissJellybean That's a brilliant way to describe it
@@sk-wj4lx Same here. I’ve never been the same since.
@@MissJellybean Indeed, it is soul murder.
Sex which is one of the most beautiful creation ever made became so vicious, so evil, so dark. What’s supposed to bring pleasure brings pain instead. Too many sexual abuse. It’s a world disease. Another pandemic.
*Sex, which is one of the most beautiful creations ever...*Too much sexual abuse
#Metoo
All about $
@Will Y It doesn’t have to stay that way forever. This is about changing mentality.
@@January. shut up, the message remains the same.
@@bh29 No
Mena is so brave! This proves you never really know what someone else did going through. Everyone thought Mena had it all in the 90s!
There were two actresses that sort of went MIA at the height of their careers. One was Mena. You never saw her in too many roles; or at least in anything big. Maybe this is why. The other was Mira Sorvino, who was blacklisted by Harvey Weinstein because she resisted his sexual advances. Both are amazing actresses.
I feel like brittany snow might also be on that list. She did the pitch perfect series, but back in the early 00s it seemed like she was going to be much bigger than she ended up being
And Tara from the American Pie movies she went missing too
@@Lookinmyeyesitsover yes she is so talented! I did see a movie advertising with her in it recently….
@@smiley1960 Tara Reid? She went on to do all those Shark and Scream movies…. Too scary for me. 😱
@@Lookinmyeyesitsover I just checked IMDB and Britney Snow has been in about 6 films since Pitch Perfect, including a series on TV…. I noticed none of the shows were big box office hits though.
I used to idolize her back in the day, I used to think she so so beautiful. I wished I could be in her shoes. Now hearing this... it’s absolutely heartbreaking. Just goes to show, what you see on the outside with people isn’t always what it seems.
Exactly. It’s crazy how much we never know.
So true
Yeah, hollywood is dark.
@@te9591 Hollywood is over. I don’t thinks there’s a way back.
Same, as a millennial girl, you'd see the likes of Britney and actresses like these portraying idealized teen lives and I always felt than that because my parents were broke and my hair was not naturally straight and blonde enough, my nose was too big. Little did we know the horror behind the scenes.
I wondered where she went... 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 I’m glad she’s alive and in a much better place, on top of sharing to help others!!! 👏🏽👏🏽
I too always wondered what happened to her and so glad she was able to find her way through to a good place.
Absolutely!
she just told you where she went . She chose Meth
They rented her out.
Me too
Ppl don't realize that beauties get so bullied and get a lot of hate and abuse too
Sam vernachio drug dealer drug rapper psalms 91
Yep
She was not only gorgeous in the films she was in, but also charismatic and just excellent. I always liked her very much ❤
"It doesn't have to be like this". Wow. I really liked her as an actress. Glad she stopped using that poison.
I'm glad too.
I always thought I should've been an actress, that it was like the dream profession, not anymore! The number of people in the entertainment industry who have their souls destroyed for a shot at making it big is incredible, the fact that all of this is coming to light is very positive not only for the ones who went through it, it helps to realize that stardom is a product that has been paraded out to the world with a shiny package but reality is you putting yourself in a very vulnerable unsafe position.
It's actually much better than it use to be. The actor's union gelped with that (sag)
Judy garland was abused, made to take drugs, nose jobs. . . . Many actors before the 70s died broke as they were taken advantage of financially and/or never well paid.
And mead isn't say it was Hollywood that led to her abuse. she had issues going on in her life long before is what she is saying.
“ who have their souls destroyed for a shot at making it big is incredible”
That’s part of the whole trap for most of these celebrities. They trade their souls for money and fame
I wanted to be a actress too. Glad I didn't back then.
My existence was all about getting to California to work in movies. I believed I was destined and it's all I lived. I had so many obstacles and slowly I started to detest the celebrity fame crap. Iam old now,and iam glad I never got to California .as a matter of fact I'm grateful fate intervened and that chapter is closed. I love movies ,the front and back of it all.I believe now,I would've fallen apart and God knows what could've happened to me. I live a simple life,I love reading and writing and grateful that dream never came true.I love real folks,the real day to day of living and working and I have found some kind of peace. My health needs to be better and I'm dedicating time to be healthy.
@@teresaferrer4748 thank you for sharing your experience, I have also become more appreciative of simple things in live as I have gotten older, even older movies when it was more about emotions than special effects.
I've always thought she has the prettiest eyes. Sending love, Mena.
I've loved her since American Beauty & she ages so gracefully.
She is not 60 for God sake.
Yea but there is a difference between 19 and 40. I am speaking from my own experience!
@@cfaz6763Depends on genes and how someone cares for their body.
I hated American Beauty. So creepy.
"Lost your virginity against your will?" That is a tortured way to not say rape.
@JillBates is it SO hard for them to use that "dirty" word? Just another way of belittling the violent acts perpetrated by men against women! The media is laughable.
The R word is banned on yt, maybe why 🤷🏻♂️
@ the question was HOW did it affect you. Not "did it affect you?"
Yeah...what's up with that? C'mon!
It is truly disgusting
The thing is everyone has a sad story, trails, struggles it is simply a part of life. I think the real issue for everyone is no one talks about it. We hold it in and try to appear "normal". We feed to so many that perfection is normal and that is a lie. Everyone going through the ups and downs of life is normal. Sometimes we need help and are unable to process trails on our own and that is normal. We need to stop normalizing perfection because people are literally destroying themselves to achieve it.
Hear hear
Agreed
Agreed. But for some people the effects are amplified by a level of fragility or susceptibility that overwhelms. Drugs and alcohol are often the first place people turn to ease the pain that comes with the shame of never being good enough. Complex PTSD is a vile and pernicious assault on humanity and the American healthcare system, coupled with a ridiculously judgmental society, really leaves sufferers vulnerable. Did you know that 95% of Americans who commit suicide have been diagnosed with a mental illness? That means 95% had the courage to reach out, but did not get the kind of help they needed in time. Healthcare is not set up to make people well, it’s set up to create an income stream for investors.
Well said !
Perfectly said
I am so happy she’s doing much better , I love her acting , her eyes and smile. ♥️♥️♥️
I love her! She seems so engaged in the interview, makes me want to hear more
She’s a survivor. A beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. God bless her.
so proud of her for speaking out and finding happiness and hope. she’s a beautiful soul 🥰
Speaking up. To share, and to help someone, going through the same struggles. God bless ...
I agree
Please. she is more privilege than most women IN THE PLANET. she is no victim. She wants attention. You should go to other countries and see real world suffering.
@@collidingforces9589 Did you not listen to her?? She was homeless.
This clip was confusing. It needed more context.
Right! I felt like there was a lot being said and nothing at all …
Exactly.
Career rehab. Basically.
Agreed, Many filler words but zero detail
Glad I'm not the only one who thought that. Such a disjointed clip.
As a victim of sexual assaults, I can relate so much, I’ve always found it hard to explain but Mena has explained it perfectly. Thank you, you are so brave for speaking out 🙏🏻
Hope you re healing too ...
The phrase “taken advantage of…” is commonly called ‘exploitation’ by the legal system.
This is the kind of woman that all little girls should aspire to become, a woman of substance who through trials and difficulties has found her beautiful, true authentic self. Best wishes Mena.
Thank you so much Mena, sleeping on the floor for years was where I was, squalor, the hopelessness. God saved me
She is an amazing woman and I have so much love and respect for her. Her story is a powerful one!
you can see her breathing pattern change when the interview brings up her trauma at age 12. 😭💔😭
Awww she's so beautiful and Soo sad everything she went thru
It's heartbreaking to know that while she was giving us happiness through her films, she was suffering deeply. I always admired her, and still do, maybe now more so. Now that she's happier, I'd love to see her back on the screen.
She is incredible. Her story brought me to tears. I am thankful to her for sharing her story and for giving a voice to many that feel completely silenced.
She is such a great actress, hope to see her on screen again
Always loved her, didn’t know she went through all of this. I’m glad she is ok now.
The fact that she's still alive today shows she's a very strong woman. I wish her the best.
Thank you for going public about such painful abuse it is so incredibly brave you have helped make such a huge impact! Very thankful
I'm so proud of her for speaking out ... I pray that helps her heal from this ..
Such a beauty. I’m glad she’s okay now.
Survival is a lifelong process. Survivors are never "Ok now."
With the proper support circle(family, friends, therapist…), taking time away for proper mental, emotional and spiritual healing and removing yourself from certain people, places and things…step by step, you can be okay and have okay days. Life isn’t perfect and you could have crappy days, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be in a better space.
you really never know people's story and what they are facing. I'm so glad that she is in a better space and place in her life. Congrats on her marriage and little bundle of joy:-). I pray her all the best on her continual healing and thriving in life. Keep soaring and keep God first. God's love and blessings!!!
You just never know what a person is going thru silently. No matter what their outside everyday looks like. Thanks for sharing.
She’s incredibly lucky, i acknowledge her pain.
Good on her! 👏 No longer surprised when I discover the hidden abuse of vulnerable children and young adults in the entertainment industry 😔 The more awareness thd better.
The video I didn’t know that I needed. Thank you Mena for being so brave and sharing your story🙏🏾❤️
She is so amazing for coming out and telling her story! Not only is she helping others by sharing her story, she's also helping to erase the societal stigmas that come with addiction and mental illness. 💛💛💛
Mena is incredibly brave for coming forward with her struggles. It makes me feel less alone in mine.
Thank you Mena. It's inspiring seeing people overcoming sexual abuse. I'm slowly putting the shattered pieces back together & finding my way.
Very candid interview. Thank you, Mina. Perhaps your story will help others.
Dear whoever is reading this, I wish there was a way for everyone to surpass the current obstacles or sadness/ stress and let happiness enter your heart! i truly sense and know you will have a beautiful life ahead of you! Nothing in life is ever easy, but what's important is that YOU keep going!
Youre worthy of love and happiness, never allow anyone to tell you otherwise! I wish all of you plenty of health and strength during these tough times. You are loved, you are strong, you got this! Never forget that!
Sending much Love over from Germany 💕🙏✨
I would go see any movie she’s in. She’s a wonderful actress.
N beautiful
That's what she wants you to do
So happy to hear that she is doing better now!! Beautiful in and out!! 💕
Noah Bogart Renee betterton mica Bogart. Cooking in med ford or Portland
I applaud her for being so brave and telling her story…it’s so heart breaking
She's very authentic.
She's not an overdramatic attention seeker.
You can tell that her talking about it is simply therapeutic for her.
I can’t believe some people can hurt another person to this point..
??
@@ewestchester2991 Don’t you know how to read?
That's true. It happened to me at a very young age. I felt like I had no right to say no after that. I found myself in compromising situations I had no reason or right to be in. This interview is touching on so many levels. You never know what another person went through or is going through!
What a beautiful, protective, and brave momma! Way to go, Woman! Hoping her sharing her strength now can empower young people currently dealing with this in struggle or in crisis.
I volunteer for suicide prevention. There are so many more young people facing this and since the pandemic than ever before. Her hard work with this book is much needed. I’ll share the resource. Thank her for doing it, please, on their behalf for me. Very much obliged.
It’s often one sentence from a friend that can “wake us up” to hope. Please tell your friends they don’t deserve to live with pain and they can reclaim their lives. Thank you for this.
Her acting in the American Pie movies were top notch. We love you Mena!😃
I was just thinking about her a few days ago! I wondered what happened to Mena Suvari! This is wonderful to hear and to know that she’s doing so much better and now has a family.
I LOVE this woman's work and wisdom.
She´s such a beautiful person inside and out. I´m so glad she´s speaking out about this
I've been missing her. Haven't seen her in anything for years. Now I know why.
Always liked her- how heartbreaking the things she's been through.
@Rufus Lloyd american beauty and American horror story: murder house and apocalypse are two others i can name lol. Both AHS and American beauty are very popular i assure you many people know and like mena
@Rufus Lloyd She was the star of American Beauty, you ding dong. She won a bunch of awards for her performance.
@Rufus Lloyd Riiiight...Wow, imagine if there was something like a search engine where it would take you 3 seconds to check what other movies she was in 🤔.
Thankful for her speaking up she is going to help so many and heal herself along her journey!
She’s such a strong woman who has overcome so many obstacles, I am sorry for what she has gone through and I can 100% relate but I have so much respect for her!
Always loved her felt a similar personal connection always will. Beautiful artistic soul ❤
Love her soo much more! We do recover! Recover Loudly so others don’t have to suffer in silence!
“Whether or not you’re entitled to consider as such.”
That’s exactly how so felt at 12 when it happened to me.
She's such a brave hero! Her pain is so beautiful and triumphant!
✊✊✊ I'm glad she still here, stay strong and sharing her life with us.
These comments made me so sad. There are so many victims sharing their stories, it's insane how common that is. I was 14 when it happened to me. I wish this would stop. Thank you for everyone that opened up and shared their stories, you matter and we hear you.
I'm so sorry to hear you had that horrible experience.
Me too! It happened at 15 too. Damaged me for many years and I still get triggered at times even though I feel I have healed from it all. Trauma really never goes away.
A story of triumph from a very strong woman. Mad respect. And rage against the people who abused and would ever cause her harm. I’m happy for her she’s in a good place right now. Wish her all the best!
I cried when I saw this. It resonates so strongly with me. I need to read her book as a lot of stuff Mena went through happened to me. Ok I’m spinning out here as I love her movies and her as a person knowing this even more. I live in Australia and born here by migrant parents from Greece back in the 60s. Born in 72 I’m now 51yo. Seeing this is again a trigger for people like myself as it has topics that happened to me and still battling with. Mena is right about it as it never ever leaves you. I have anxiety panic attacks and have become a reclusive person as when I go out to grocery shopping medical apts I encounter triggers. Even where I live near a nature reserve there are 4 homes between mine and the reserve which has a creek and opposite is a Muslim school it’s pretty big on a big plot. Everyday the recess bell and the loudspeaker talk is a trigger. Seeing small kids with family at a grocery store is a trigger. I tend to go late at night or when I run out 2-3 weeks I won’t leave my house. I live in fear and the fear is a drug relapse of meth. I’ve battled it since mid 20s. I have untreated childhood trauma. Ontop I have CRPS and a spinal disability. And it’s like fml every other day. When I was under 10yo I was sexually abused by my grandmother my Dads Mom. I have held all of it in for 40 years. I’ve done drugs and alcohol since mid high school and for the last 25 years it’s been a battle with meth. I also have an opiod addiction that is a script for my chronic pain. Meth use slowly became more use in my reclusive state and even this day I still use it as a coping mechanism. What meth did about a decade ago is slowly unlock unravel the truth about the childhood abuse. I confronted my folks and my dad laughed it off and said that’s how grandma showed her affection! I was gobsmacked! My mum was the opposite and she told me back then in the 70s her sister in law actually caught her doing it to her youngest son. Now it’s caused a chasm a void between my myself and my Dad. There is no closeness. There really wasn’t growing up finding my sexuality as gay was so freakin hard I wanted to commit suicide so many times. I was so alone and my support network was beginning to turn on me and shun me. When I came out in 96 my dad blamed my mum saying see what type of son you raised! 😢wt AF! My mum was balling her eyes out. My grandma used to restrict my movement by holding my arms and sexually molested me. She would also lock me in a closet which now I have developed growing up claustrophobia. I feel like I’m not worth my family support and they never ever want to talk about anything and brush things off. I get scripts for Valium and think sometimes ending my pain with 50 tabs in a nice warm bath. I’ve done it before when I had a housemate and I was dragged out of the water my head half submerged. He saved me coz he knocked on the bathroom door and when I didn’t answer he broke it down as I locked it. There’s so much more that happened that is so detailed it makes me cry to even think about it all. basically police another suicide attempt court dramas meeting drug dealers houses sex parties out of control Shiz ppl got bashed i think sometimes looking back is this a film? wtf all these things happening to myself. Last 8 years I was almost forced into a mental ward saw psychiatrist anti depressants anti psychotics drinking alcohol with meds I was taking 9 diff meds a day was on Suboxone and OD three times saw a Psychologist too my life was spiralling down and all this time meth was prevalent. Still Is and I want rehab but it’s hard to get into and private is so exxy. Mena is right in many things and I resonate with it. When I was 12yo I was suicidal wanted to shoot myself in the head. What happened in high school from 11-16yo 3 male married kids were my pedophiles plus one woman and the principal hushed it all up. The school no longer is there it got shut down and I think there was a pedo ring running out of it. I was an effeminate kid and got bullied daily. At camp something bad happened and I still have many flashbacks. there’s a lot more I was bashed by 3 males walking back home after school and they said you didn’t see anything you don’t say anything. I was stalked and almost kidnapped. They even poisoned my home my safe place. When my folks were away there was an older kid saying sexual stuff and showing me his erection and stuff. I kept seeing male pornography in the mailbox and accross the road a car parked with a teacher grinning at me. Have to leave it there as I don’t want to go further details about suicide when I was 11-16yo was the worst time. Now I need justice closure it’s heading to Supreme Court there’s more details but enough for now and I might get media attention. Mena is 100% right we need to speak up about it and talk more not be kept silent. That’s why I broke my silence of 40years. I’ve had enough of the weight it was was killing me slowly. 🙏🏼💗to you from Australia John
God bless her and her beautiful baby 🥰 so so glad she is clean and better and has an amazing family now she deserves it !!!🙌🙌🙌🙌
Glad she’s sharing her story. She will be an inspiration to other young survivors
I am so happy to hear people share their stories I wish I had heard them more when I was younger going through a little of the same things.
Thank you for sharing these painful snippets of your life, Mina. Wishing you the very best 💖💖💖
I'm the same age as her. I remember her from those iconic movies. Happy to see she made positive changes!! I too suffered from substance abuse for years but I'm sober now and getting better. One very important thing that most people don't realize is that nobody choose/wishes to be a user. I (and I think her too) didn't do this for fun but to escape the overwhelming pain of my reality. Drugs and alcohol seem at first to take the edge off but before you know it they got a firm hold on you and it's more than difficult to free yourself from them. Learn from her and let her inspire you!!!👍❤🌷
Sending you love!
Her, fergie and Jodi Sweden are the only ones over the years who have talked about meth
Wow Mena. This story brought me to tears this morning. Thank you for such honest vulnerability and fortitude.
Bless her brave heart for sharing her painful story. It's ground breaking & life changing for others who've had similar experiences. She's helping so many people by being so brave & open. There is life beyond such deep pain & trauma. ❤
I’ve always liked Mena Suvari and didn’t see her much more on-screen after American Beauty. Maybe this explajns why. Happy to see she’s in a better place and has love/support now.
Side note: Watching this footage, I feel like I’m looking at a younger Beverley D’Angelo.
Mixed with Angelina Jolie
She's been in a lot of roles since American Beauty, just not very recently.
I just have to say I loved her as black dahlia in ahs , hope she’s doing well 💗
How fitting, based on this interview. Gutted for Hollywood.
Lovely story of strength & courage. So many of us have lived thru this, same, similar...
Such an amazing story. I’m glad she’s found herself and is doin great 🙏🏻💕
I need a 3 hr interview with her. I need more.
I admired Mena Suvari and her acting career despite of what she has been going through her life.
Omg will she ever age?!?! Gosh she is even more beautiful than I remember! Wow thanks for sharing your journey Mena! It will help so many people know that they're not alone in that particular suffering. And omg your husband is total eye candy and omg a BABY?!?!? Congratulations on this new journey and they better put you back on the screen!
So glad you found your piece and someone to share it with
The worldwide human rights laws really have to improve and all governments have to be forced to apply them, not in 50 years, now. It always happens right in front of us, right under our noses. But how, if even UN soldiers/employees go around the world r*ping vulnerable girls in places where they're supposed to help and then refusing to pay any child support for their child on top of that.
Sad that she didn’t have a close friend she could confide in & share this with. I’ve always been blessed with a few close friends that have helped me get through some pretty terrible things. And then later I found group therapy which also helped ( my mom was an abusive narcissistic alcoholic) so yeah. My heart goes out to her. Hope she is able to heal & become happy & lead a healthy life. ❤️
"part of me died that day" that hit me because after all these years I still feel the same.
What a beautiful soul❤❤❤ i am completely taken back by her energy and her story, amazing💞 such a beautiful thing to see her on a heart based level, people forget that stars are people with thoughts, feelings, and their own struggles.
these male predators must be eradicated. sickening. You survived sweet soul and achieved
I love that she didnt ruin her face with over filler
Yep, that's the most important thing to take from this interview.....
@@lenusniq_9746 I'm sorry she looks so freaking good compared to most.
She is one of my favorite actors... much love!!
Omg I love this girl! Always have and always will. She is so beautiful and inspirational.. I can relate with this so much as well. Stay strong!! 💋