Renowned for her success in the 1950s and early 1960s, Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was not only a celebrated actress and model but also a figure shrouded in the mystery of an undisclosed illness.
Despite her professional achievements and stunning beauty, Monroe faced a tumultuous journey, starring in acclaimed films across various countries during her heyday. However, beneath the radiant smile, the actress battled a profound and painful illness.
Hailing from a Californian family, Monroe ventured into acting in 1947 when the executive director of 20th Century Fox, Darryl F. Zanuck, granted her a six-month contract. Over the years, she appeared in more than thirty films, with the exception of the unfinished "Something's Got to Give" (1962), marking her final project before her untimely death.
While Monroe was known for her cheerful demeanor, she grappled with a serious ailment that remained largely undisclosed.
WHAT WAS MARILYN MONROE'S AFFLICTION?
The film "Blonde," a depiction of Marilyn Monroe's life, has generated significant attention. According to the El Mundo portal, the movie portrays Norma Jean (Marilyn Monroe) as devastated by various challenges. During the 1950s, when initial treatments began, speculation surrounded mental health issues such as schizophrenia and depression. However, the era lacked the diagnostic capabilities available today to thoroughly study the actress's brain and its correlation with her symptoms, as noted by Isabel Serrano-Rosa, director and psychologist of EnPositivoSí.
Additionally, reports from the Times of India suggest that besides grappling with mental health problems, Monroe dealt with dyslexia and stuttering in her childhood. Citing the book "Marilyn: The Passion and the Paradox," the media reveals that Monroe experienced severe nightmares contributing to chronic insomnia. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she frequently lost touch with reality and endured excruciating pain during her periods.
Claudia Kalb suggested Monroe suffered from borderline personality disorder, emphasizing her severe mental anguish characterized by feelings of emptiness, a fragmented identity, and extreme emotional volatility.
WHAT OTHER CHALLENGES DID MARILYN MONROE FACE?
According to the Times of India, the same book highlights Monroe's struggles with skin rash and hives. The actress carried childhood burdens, including a mother in a psychiatric hospital, an unknown father, transitions between adoptive families, and time in an orphanage. Hollywood pressures added to her woes, leading to the use of various medications for calming or gaining strength.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A MENTAL DISORDER?
To comprehend the concept of a mental health disorder, one must turn to specialists. As per the Mayo Clinic portal, mental disorders encompass conditions affecting an individual's mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.
