'General Hospital' star Kristina Wagner on divorce being the best thing for her

Kristina Wagner needed to get her life in order.

The "General Hospital" star opens up on this week's "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" about how the decision to get divorced impacted her life.

"I realized that I really needed to figure out what was going on with me in order to move forward," the 53-year-old actress reveals in ETonline’s exclusive sneak peek. "It's easy to lose yourself when you're only in your young twenties, and just doing what's expected of you, not thinking of your own needs."

WATCH: 7 Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces

Kristina married Jack Wagner in 1993. After filing for divorce in 2001, the couple reconciled in 2004, only to officially call it quits in 2005. Their divorce was finalized the following year, which Kristina says was also important for the well-being of her children, Peter and Harrison.

"The divorce was the best thing that could have happened to me, and for my children as well," she explains. "I don't think I was being a very good mother at the time, either. I wasn't making good choices."

PHOTOS: 8 Couples Who Renewed Their Vows and Still Split

"I had to deal with myself first," Kristina continues. "Because we ultimately have to take care of ourselves before we can help others."

Watch an all-new "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" this Saturday on OWN.

WATCH: Reba McEntire Admits She Didn't Want a Divorce 'in Any Shape, Form, or Fashion'