Powerful Women in History & Their Mental Health

These amazing women are proof that mental illness does not determine your success.

Marilyn Monroe. Princess Diana. Nina Simone. When we think of these women, we think of their larger-than-life personalities and careers. They are renowned for their incredible talents, awards, humanitarian work, and countless other achievements. While the thought of their mental health doesn’t generally cross our minds, these individuals were only human and they each experienced their own struggles that many of us also face. In fact, many of the aspirational figures we look up to have coped with mental illnesses, an often ignored fact that subsides in the wake of celebrity fame and success.

The value of mental health has recently gained heightened media attention and is integral to our overall conversation about women’s health. In a given year, nearly one in five people experience mental illness, and women are 40% more likely to develop major depression than men. This Women’s History Month, as we reflect on the amazing women who paved the way and expanded opportunity for our generation, let’s celebrate the remarkable women who worked through their mental health during times when it wasn’t a trending hashtag.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was a global superstar famous for her many talents, only one of which included being a gorgeous actress. She was also acclaimed for modeling and singing and was widely heralded as a beauty icon throughout the 1940s, 50s, and still today. What many people don’t know about Monroe is that for years, she struggled with her own mental illness and with that of others in her family. Underneath the glam and fame, Monroe developed a drug addiction which eventually launched her into a deep depression. She later lost her life due to a drug overdose.

Diana, Princess of Wales

Princess Diana, also known as the People’s Princess, was idolized for her grace, fashion sense and charity work. When someone mentions her name today, people always have good things to say about her impressive connection with the world outside of her royal life. But royal life had its challenges; Diana struggled with bulimia, even during her pregnancies, and serious depression that brought about self-harm.

Nina Simone

Nina Simone, a famous singer and civil rights activist in the 1950s and 60s, paved the way for African American women to stand out in the arts. From being born into a poor family to enrolling in Julliard to fulfill her dream, Simone became a role model for women and an enviable success story. Unknown to many until after her death in 2003, Simone struggled with bipolar disorder and manic depression.

Imagine existing in the spotlight and facing these struggles with the world watching, waiting for you to fall. Lady Gaga has been open about her experience with anxiety and depression. Demi Lovato endured a life-threatening drug overdose in 2018 that was immediately sensationalized by the media. Ariana Grande developed PTSD after the suicide bombing at her concert in Manchester, England in 2017. Grande has also spoken about her ongoing struggles with anxiety.

As someone who struggles with mental illness myself, I know how difficult it can be to be taken seriously as a woman. We often hear dismissive phrases such as “stop being so dramatic,” “you’re overreacting, or “don’t be so emotional.” The aforementioned women are idols to many of us, the women we strive to be more like. Knowing that they, too, have suffered while achieving great success can bring a sense of comfort and relatability to all of us battling to maintain our own mental wellness.

Although society today seems to be more understanding when it comes to mental illness, there are still many stigmas women especially need to fight against, considering one in four women will require treatment for depression as opposed to one in ten men.

While famous women aren’t immune to mental illness, they radiate incredible strength that everyone can learn from. This strength also comes in the form of being open about mental illness and seeking the help and support one needs. In honor of this Women’s History Month, take a minute to thank the strong women in YOUR life. You never know who might be struggling and your words might provide comfort and even more strength than they already have.

Header image illustrated by Leonor Carvalho

If you or someone you know is seeking mental health support, know that first of all, you/they 100% deserve it. For education and information, the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website is a phenomenal resource. You can also text NAMI to 741741 for 24/7 support or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264) to talk to someone Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, EST. For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357). In an emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or call 911.

Must be looooooove on the braaaaain 🧠. Or was that s£x? 👀🤭 Our brains are our largest s£x organs and sometimes they get a little sad, hyperactive, anxious, or overwhelmed. You won’t always be in the mood for s£x and that’s okay! Keep communication with your partner open and ongoing, check in with yourself and your mental health, and lean on the support of a trusted therapist or doctor if you need some extra guidance. 🫶🏽 Anything you would add?

I mean 😏

It is not wrong nor should it feel shameful to ✨seek pleasure.✨ I think those of us who grew up more religious were taught that you should always be in service of others and giving of yourself rather than concerned with our own needs or passions. While it is wonderful to be generous with giving (and can in fact be a source of pleasure), it should be equally encouraged to pursue your own pleasure — it whatever form it may take! It may feel self-indulgent, but why is that a bad thing? Pleasure boosts our mental health. It helps us cope with a difficult world, with anxiety, depression, and stress. It makes us feel good! It gives us something to look forward to. Pleasure helps us connect with others and with ourselves. Pleasure (as long as it is not at the expense of someone else’s safety or well-being) should be a priority, for our joy and for our health. It really is so important! Where do you find pleasure? I personally love a good massage… 💆🏽‍♀️

It’s time for a talk, friend. Let’s be clear, you nor your partner ever has to do *anything* you’re not comfortable with. That said, if it’s something you enjoy and that’s pleasurable to you, it’s okay to ask your partner for it! They can say no, but if they invalidate your pleasure, much less expect you to do something they won’t do?? The ball is then in your court to decide if this is the partner for you. You deserve someone who cares about and prioritizes your pleasure. Who is thrilled to be acquainted with your body, all of it! S-x can be vulnerable to talk about, but when you do…it’s so much better. 👅 included. Ask your partner what their hesitations are and have a *conversation.* Maybe they’re nervous, intimidated, or struggling with shame. Maybe they’re down to try other things you would enjoy and build up to it. The point is, it shouldn’t just be automatically dismissed. You can decide what’s right for you and what makes you feel aroused, validated, and appreciated. Whatever you do, don’t internalize their rejection. Your body is beautiful, desirable, and definitely worthy of pleasure. 😋🥰

A UK study published in the International Urogynecology Journal found that only 46% of participants correctly identified that a female has 3 holes in the external genitalia. 😬 Not great. We’re taught so desperately little about our bodies and so discouraged from exploring them that we don’t even know what we’ve got going on down there! Understanding your own anatomy (and getting educated on your partner’s anatomy) can boost pleasure 1000x!! So take a mirror, use your hands, and get comfy exploring! 🪞🕵🏽‍♀️ And if you really want to get informed (and inspired 😉), head to our website for our basics on pleasure and anatomy. What do you think? Could YOU correctly label a diagram of what lies beneath?

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