Mariska Hargitay recently opened up about the profound impact of her mother Jayne Mansfield’s tragic death during her appearance at the Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s 18th Annual HOPE Luncheon Seminar. The actress, known for her role on “Law & Order: SVU,” shared heartfelt reflections on the grief she experienced at such a tender age. Losing her mother when she was merely three years old, Hargitay grew up in a household characterized by collective sorrow and varying methods of coping. As she articulated, the overwhelming nature of grief in her family meant there was little room for individual healing or prioritization of feelings. “We didn’t have the tools that we have now to metabolize and understand trauma,” she noted, highlighting the evolution of our understanding of mental health over the decades.
Jayne Mansfield, a famous actress and Playboy Playmate, met a premature demise at the young age of 34 in a car accident in 1967. Tragically, Mariska and two of her siblings were present in the car during this catastrophic event, which surely left an indelible mark on their lives. Hargitay’s remarks shed light on the long-lasting effects of such a catastrophic loss and her journey toward healing and advocacy.
During the seminar, Hargitay received the esteemed 2024 Hope Award for Depression Advocacy, during which she spoke candidly about her lifelong journey to navigate her past traumas. It wasn’t until later in her life that she found the vocabulary and means to confront her experiences, including facing sexual trauma in her 30s. With poignant honesty, she expressed, “it wasn’t until much later that I found the language to acknowledge it for what it was.” This fraught journey emphasizes the critical nature of understanding and articulating trauma, something many individuals struggle with.
Hargitay revealed the origins of her Joyful Heart Foundation, established two decades ago as a response to her own experiences with trauma. Through her foundation, she has endeavored to create resources and support for survivors, akin to what she wished she had during her own path toward healing. “I built a whole foundation that responded to trauma and survivors the way that I wanted to be responded to,” she shared, indicating how her advocacy work stems from personal resolution and empathy.
Another central theme in Hargitay’s narrative is gratitude toward the therapists who have guided her during her healing journey. She emphasized the importance of diverse healing modalities and the transformative power of therapy. Hargitay’s open acknowledgment of the need for professional help is crucial in dismantling the stigmas surrounding mental health. As she put it, “I had the good fortune to find extraordinary therapists,” underscoring that the journey through trauma does not need to be traversed alone.
Hargitay’s insights resonate with many. She spoke of “complex trauma,” indicating that many individuals burden themselves with multifaceted emotional pains. However, she offered a reassuring message: “there is hope.” By providing support and a sense of community through her foundation, she conveys a crucial message that healing is indeed possible.
In reflecting on her experiences with grief, Mariska Hargitay has continuously evolved her approach. A significant message she articulated in a 2018 interview centers on how she confronts these heavy emotions: “The way I’ve lived with loss is to lean into it.” This perspective offers a paradigm shift in how many individuals perceive grief. Rather than evading pain, embracing it, and allowing it to inform one’s life experiences can lead to profound growth and understanding.
She emphasizes that while the process of navigating loss can be challenging, the eventual outcome can yield bright moments and transformative healing. Talking about her mother, she beautifully expresses that Jayne Mansfield was an “amazing, beautiful, glamorous sex symbol,” stating that her mother’s spirit and zest for life are qualities she aspires to embody.
Through her journey, Mariska Hargitay exemplifies resilience and the power of vulnerability in facing staggering personal challenges. Her advocacy, reflections, and newfound understanding of trauma highlight the importance of mental health awareness, inspiring others to embark on their healing journeys through hope and collective support.