By: Rachel Wang

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Baker, was a glamorous Hollywood actress who became known for her iconic “blonde bombshell” role in the 50s and 60s. Alluring, radiant, and successful, she presented a seemingly flawless image of femininity and class. What could have driven such a talented young woman to end her own life? And what are the implications for mental health awareness in a society that prioritizes the perfectly curated image over authentic emotional wellbeing?

Beneath the pop culture icon’s surface was a deeply troubled woman with a turbulent childhood. Norma Jeane’s family had a history of mental illness. Her grandmother suffered from manic-depressive illness and died in a psychiatric hospital; her great-grandfather died by suicide. Her own mother was diagnosed as manic-depressive and later as paranoid schizophrenic, being hospitalized several times and eventually institutionalized when Norma Jeane was only 8 years old. As a result, Norma Jeane lived in as many as twelve different foster homes, and was sexually abused by her foster parents in two of them. Despite later creating a character that would captivate the country, Monroe struggled with various mental illnesses and substance abuse throughout adulthood, and would later die from a barbiturate overdose at only 36.

Based on a biographical review written by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, it is highly suspected that she suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD is characterized by unstable moods, impulsivity, a distorted self-image, and trouble with interpersonal relationships. It is also highly probable that she developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to her childhood abuse. The accumulation of traumas, combined with the presence of BPD, may have led to the development of complex PTSD (cPTSD), which is associated with a high risk of suicide.

Beautiful yet tragic, Marilyn Monroe’s story highlights an important truth: Anyone can be struggling with hidden challenges, no matter how perfect or fine they might seem on the surface. It is crucial to check in on your loved ones to ensure they get the help they need, whether it be therapy, medication, or both. The growing awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health in today’s society have made resources more accessible than ever—offering support that can save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) – 368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

References:

Dell’Osso, L., Carpita, B., Luche, R. D., Lorenzi, P., & Amatori, G. (2023). The Illness Trajectory in Marilyn Monroe’s Psychological Autopsy: From Autism Spectrum Disorder to Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder with Catatonia. Clinical neuropsychiatry, 20(6), 505–510. https://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230605