Imagine being at the peak of your career, adored by millions, yet battling an internal storm so fierce it threatens to consume you. That's the reality Lady Gaga faced during the filming of 'A Star Is Born,' a period she now reveals was marked by a psychotic break and the use of lithium, a powerful mood-stabilizing medication.
In a raw and honest interview with Rolling Stone, Stefani Germanotta, the woman we know as Lady Gaga, opened up about her mental health journey during and after the creation of the critically acclaimed 2018 film. She disclosed that she was prescribed lithium, a common treatment for mood disorders, specifically to manage and reduce the intensity and frequency of manic episodes. But here's where it gets controversial... Many people have different opinions on the use of medication for mental health, some view it as a necessary tool, while others express concerns about potential side effects and prefer alternative therapies.
The period surrounding ‘A Star Is Born’ was an incredibly demanding time for Gaga. Fresh off her iconic 2017 Super Bowl halftime performance, the pressure to maintain her success reached fever pitch. While the world saw a star shining brighter than ever, the reality was a significant strain on her mental well-being. It's easy to forget that even the most successful people are still human and susceptible to immense pressure.
Following the completion of the film, Gaga planned to embark on a tour to promote her 2016 album ‘Joanne.’ However, this is when things took a drastic turn. She experienced what she describes as a severe mental health crisis – a ‘psychotic break’ – that ultimately led to the cancellation of the remaining tour dates. And this is the part most people miss: a psychotic break isn't just feeling down; it's a serious disconnect from reality that can be incredibly frightening for the individual and those around them.
Gaga recounts a particularly poignant moment shared with her sister, who told her, “I don’t see my sister anymore.” This simple statement speaks volumes about the depth of her struggle and the impact it had on her relationships. She openly admits to feeling fear and despair, describing the experience as “really scary” and revealing she doubted her ability to recover. The severity of her condition led her to seek hospitalization and psychiatric care, a pivotal step on her path to healing.
“There was one day I went to the hospital for psychiatric care. I needed to take a break. I couldn’t do anything. … I completely crashed. It was really scary,” she shared with Rolling Stone. This honesty is so vital in destigmatizing mental health challenges.
Gaga credits her recovery, in part, to the unwavering support of her fiancé, Michael Polansky, and expresses deep gratitude for being alive. This transformative experience profoundly influenced her upcoming 2025 album, ‘Mayhem,’ which explores themes of chaos and recovery and has already garnered Grammy Award nominations. It serves as a testament to her resilience and her ability to channel her pain into art.
Lady Gaga’s willingness to speak openly about her mental health struggles is incredibly powerful. It not only sheds light on the intense pressures faced by artists in the spotlight but also underscores the importance of prioritizing psychiatric care and seeking support when navigating severe mental health challenges. Do you think her story will encourage others in the entertainment industry to be more open about their own struggles? Considering the immense pressure they face, is enough being done to support the mental health of performers? What are your thoughts on the role of fame and public scrutiny in contributing to mental health issues?
