Marilyn Monroe: Mental Health Visionary
My article simply pertains to Marilyn Monroe’s famous quote: “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
[TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to trauma and suicide, as well as references to “madness” in place of “mental illness” which correlates with the vernacular used in Marilyn’s time (and especially being part of the specific quote which this article discusses). If you find yourself in distress, please dial 13 11 14 (Lifeline). If you are suicidal or require urgent mental health and/or medical assistance, please dial 000 immediately. For non-Australian readers, please refer to your local emergency services for directions if required.]
As a mental health professional (and mental health patient), I’ve always believed that this quote has far wider ramifications than people realise, especially given Marilyn’s struggles with mental illness. If you unpack the quote carefully, she is trying to soothe her admirers (and herself). She sends a message to all those who feel “othered” in life…
